Damian Lillard Trade Rumors: Magic Making Move?
The Miami Heat has been the clear desired destination for Damian Lillard ever since he requested a trade back in July, but other teams, including the Orlando Magic, seem to be gaining traction in the discussions.
According to Sportsnet, the Magic is being "heard" in the Lillard trade sweepstakes.
In a trade proposed by Bleacher Report, the Magic would send Jonathan Isaac, Markelle Fultz, Jalen Suggs, Anthony Black, a 2024 first-round pick, a 2026 first-round pick, a 2028 first-round pick and a 2030 first-round pick to the Blazers for Damian Lillard.
Orlando Magic guard Jalen Suggs defended by Portland Trail Blazers guard Damian Lillard
Mike Watters-USA TODAY Sports
This trade would give Orlando one of the best veteran presences in the entire league at the point guard position. Lillard is entering his 12th season in the NBA, and has shown no signs of his production slowing down anytime soon.
On the other hand, if the Magic was to make this trade, the team would be giving up some of their best young pieces. This would be reminiscent of when Anthony Davis was traded to the Lakers back in 2019. This trade saw the Lakers giving up Brandon Ingram, Lonzo Ball, and other pieces for the All-Star big man.
Jalen Suggs has had a slower than expected start to his career after being selected with the fifth pick of the 2021 NBA Draft. With that being said, he has the potential to be on the verge of a breakout season going into next year, just as Brandon Ingram was after he was traded to the Pelicans.
Taking all of these things into account, the Magic would be giving up a fair amount for Lillard. But at the end the day, he is coming off of a 32 points per game season, with all of his other numbers going up as well. The Magic could put together a more than fair offer for the point guard, but it would leave them as an entirely different team as a result.
