Mock trade has Brooklyn Nets trading haul for Damian Lillard
The Brooklyn Nets are trying to do what they can to make the team as competitive as possible for years to come. One of the persistent matters that have been following the Nets throughout this offseason is news linking Portland Trail Blazers superstar Damian Lillard to Brooklyn.
Lillard has been linked to the Nets ever since he showed up to Barclay’s Center to watch Game 3 of Brooklyn’s first-round playoff series against the Philadelphia 76ers. Combine that with the praise that Lillard has heaped on promising wing Mikal Bridges and you have some trade rumors that continue to percolate throughout the summer.
As it stands, now that Portland has used their third overall pick in the 2023 NBA Draft on guard Scoot Henderson, Lillard may eventually request a trade from the Trail Blazers. Andy Bailey of Bleacher Report has proposed one mock trade where the Nets finally bring Lillard to Brooklyn after many months of anticipation and waiting:
The Mock Trade:
Brooklyn Nets receive: Damian Lillard and two 2024 second-round picks from the San Antonio Spurs
Portland Trail Blazers receive: Doug McDermott, Cam Thomas, Day’Ron Sharpe, a 2025 first-round pick from Brooklyn (via Phoenix), a 2027 first-round pick from Brooklyn (via Philadelphia), a 2028 first-round pick from Brooklyn and a 2029 first-round pick from Brooklyn (via Dallas)
San Antonio Spurs receive: Ben Simmons and Kevin Knox
Should the Nets do this trade?
Over the course of this three-team trade, the Nets would finally get their man Damian Lillard along with two second-round picks and would be giving up three players (including Ben Simmons) and four first-round picks to make it happen. While Brooklyn would be giving up a lot, they would be getting the superstar in the deal and the team that gets the superstar/most valuable piece is usually considered the winner.
For the purpose of this exercise, getting two second-round picks will likely not amount to much so getting Lillard is the point of this mock trade. Giving up the four first-round draft picks hurts for Brooklyn, especially since they give up their own first-round pick in 2028, but if Lillard is the guy that the Nets need him to be alongside Bridges, Cam Johnson, and Nic Claxton, Brooklyn may not regret missing that first-round pick as much.
Also, the Nets get Simmons’ two years and $78 million off the books and would not have to wait and see if he is able to turn things around in his career. Losing young players in Thomas and Sharpe would hurt given that both players have made strides in their careers when given the playing time and Brooklyn would then have to search (again) for another backup big man as a result.
Verdict: Yes, the Nets should do this trade.
