This Jazz-Blazers Trade Sends Damian Lillard To Utah

Following Damian Lillard’s trade request from the Portland Trail Blazers, one NBA writer has suggested that the Utah Jazz trade for the seven-time All-Star.

According to Bleacher Report’s Andy Bailey, the Jazz should trade for Lillard Collin Sexton, Kelly Olynyk, a 2025 first-round selection from the Minnesota Timberwolves, a 2027 first-round pick from the Timberwolves, and a 2029 first-round pick from the Cleveland Cavaliers.

“Small-market teams that are already in rebuild mode don’t often go all-in for stars, because big-name players typically have a say in their destination, and there’s usually the prospect of an exit around the corner,” Bailey wrote. “However, Lillard is under contract until at least 2026, he attended Weber State University in Utah, and there appears to be a bond between the player and the people of that state.” That would almost certainly develop stronger if he had the chance to play alongside All-Star starter Lauri Markkanen and a blossoming rim-protector in Walker Kessler.

“Those three and a few solid role players would almost certainly give the Jazz a better shot at contention than Lillard’s last two Blazers teams did.”

According to Sam Amick of The Athletic, the Philadelphia 76ers, Los Angeles Clippers, and Utah Jazz are all interested in trading for Lillard, who wants to be transferred to the Miami Heat. After trading Donovan Mitchell and Rudy Gobert for a slew of draft picks last summer, Utah’s front staff might offer Portland an enticing trade package for Lillard.

The Jazz recently acquired John Collins from the Atlanta Hawks in a deal. If they could get Lillard, they’d have a Big 4 of Lillard, Collins, Lauri Markkanen, and Walker Kessler.

This season, Lillard averaged 32.2 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 7.3 assists. He is regarded as one of the top players in the NBA. In his career, the guard has averaged 25.2 points, 4.2 rebounds, and 6.7 assists.