After Loss to 76ers, Will Nets Target Damian Lillard?

The Brooklyn Nets aren’t good enough.

That much was proven on Saturday when the Nets fell short to a Joel Embiid-less Philadelphia 76ers team and found themselves eliminated from the playoffs before picking up a single win in the postseason.

After two-straight drama-filled seasons with plenty of roster changes, the Nets are 0-8 in the playoffs over the last two years. Brooklyn’s front office has a lot of work to do if they want to keep the Nets relevant within the Eastern Conference playoff picture.

We’ve seen in the past that the Nets are willing to go star-hunting. Recently, they’ve employed some of the NBA’s biggest names in Kevin Durant, Kyrie Irving, and James Harden. While that trio didn’t work out, Brooklyn has a clean slate on that front and can begin searching for their next notable name to pair alongside the rising star, Mikal Bridges.

Could Portland Trail Blazers guard Damian Lillard be that guy?

According to Michael Scotto of HoopsHype, there are NBA executives that believe Lillard is someone they could target should the All-Star and the Portland Trail Blazers finally get serious about turning a page.

“Dame would be the leader they (Nets) need,” an NBA executive told HoopsHype. “I’m just not sure they have the pieces to get him, but they should try. The picks they have coming in aren’t great. It would probably take Ben Simmons’ contract to make the numbers work, but you’d have to attach picks to him on top of the picks you need for Lillard.”

“I can see the Nets going for Dame, but he’s older, and that contract is so high,” another NBA executive told HoopsHype. “He could be worth a couple of firsts and a good young player.”

Sixers fans know too well that the chances of Lillard getting traded are slim. While some of Lillard’s comments this offseason have hinted that a lack of ‘win-now’ moves that favor Lillard could ultimately lead to a trade request, it’s a scenario that’s hard to believe until it’s seen.

With Brooklyn’s offseason officially here, though, the rumors will likely grow as the Nets need another star to compete in a tough Eastern Conference. With Lillard looking unsatisfied with the Blazers’ recent lack of success and being present for the Game 3 matchup between the Nets and the Sixers in Brooklyn, there will be no shortage of rumors this summer.