Raptors Considered Frontrunner for Blazers’ Damian Lillard

Depending on who you ask, the Raptors have the inside track to land star guard Damian Lillard in a trade with the Trail Blazers.

And Marc J. Spears of ESPN asked two team executives, who Spears reported believe Toronto is indeed the frontrunner.

That said, Spears added the following:

“While the Raptors have had recent conversations with the Blazers about Lillard, no pact was close to being imminent as of Monday morning, according to a source.”

This is all news not because it’s some big secret that Lillard has requested a trade, or that the Blazers are working on trading him. But as the entire basketball-loving universe already knows, Lillard is seeking a trade to the Heat — period.

But Miami may not be able to offer the best possible package.

Per Spears, the Raptors’ offer could include the likes of All-Star forward Pascal Siakam, former Rookie of the Year Scottie Barnes, and forward OG Anunoby, and/or rookie wing Gradey Dick. 

Granted, Toronto wouldn’t give up all of those players solely for Lillard, but any one of them (or more) could be included in a deal. And the names on that list would make it particularly enticing for Portland. It sure beats Heat guard Tyler Herro and two first-round picks — which is what Spears reported Miami initially offered.

The Bulls, Bucks, 76ers and Celtics are others who have expressed interest in Lillard, Spears added.