Damian Lillard Next Team Odds: Time to Move on From “Dame Time”?

Almost every offseason, Damian Lillard’s name is brought up in NBA trade rumors. But as much as fans want the seven-time All-Star to leave Portland, there has been no news of a trade happening. But that could all change in a hurry as Bradley Beal got shipped to Phoenix without much of a whisper. With this in mind, what do the Damian Lillard next team odds say about his future?

Lillard With Heat Culture? Miami Favored by Odds

At +150 on the Damian Lillard next team odds, the Miami Heat are favorites to acquired the superstar guard. Miami fell short against Denver in the NBA Finals in a series where it was simply out-gunned. The Heat, already a top defensive unit, can give its offense a steroid shot by swapping some of its guards for Lillard.

According to Bleacher Report’s Chris Haynes, the Heat are are “focused” on pursuing Lillard. The team does have enough pieces to push Portland general manager Joe Cronin into bartering. Miami could create a package centered around Tyler Herro, the former Sixth Man of the Year winner.

The simplest deal, salary-wise, is to send both Herro and Kyle Lowry to Portland on top of multiple first-round picks. Portland can then buy out Lowry’s contract, which is on its last year this 2023-24.

The Heat will be sharp underdog NBA picks to bet now if they acquired Lillard. Their odds of winning the NBA title could shorten considerably as the Heat already proved they can beat the East’s best with what they had last year.

New York, New Dame? Knicks and Nets Also Possible

Just behind Miami are the New York state teams: the Knicks and Nets at +300 each. Of the two, New York makes more sense as the team is closer to contending than Brooklyn. In fact, the Nets are rebuilding after trading away Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving last year. However, the Nets may have more picks and assets to trade to Portland.

But with the Knicks, Lillard can join Jalen Brunson and Julius Randle and form a formidable “Big 3”. Of course, the Knicks will likely have to ship off RJ Barrett and mortgage its future. The fit may also be awkward as both Brunson and Lillard play the same position.

It’s also notable that New York is almost always involved when it comes to trade rumors. This is the NBA’s biggest franchise and the basketball-hungry fans will bet down the Damian Lillard next team odds should any piece of news come out of Portland.

New York currently sits at 50-1 to win the NBA title, which puts them at sixth in the Eastern Conference. Will acquiring Lillard move their needle? Whether it does or doesn’t bank on this team to be even more popular in 2023-24.

Teams Who May Just Surprise: Lillard Could Land Here

Since Lillard does not have a no trade clause, Portland can trade him anywhere they please. So it’s not crazy to think that longshots like Memphis (20-1), Chicago (18-1), and Atlanta (16-1) could acquired Lillard. A team off the board like New Orleans or Charlotte could even do it.

Of these teams, Memphis is the most interesting. The team may grow frustrated with Ja Morant who just got suspended for 25 games due to his off-court antics. It would be hard to deny Memphis if it offered Morant in the deal for Lillard.

The team has had back-to-back 50+ win seasons and are 18-1 to win the NBA title this 2023-24. Swapping Lillard for Morant could push this team over the hump.

Speaking of straight swaps, Atlanta could trade Trae Young for Lillard. For the past few months, Young’s relationship with the Hawks’ brass soured. The team underperformed despite acquiring Dejounte Murray. With a new coach in Quinn Snyder, the Hawks could ship Young to Portland for Lillard.

And as for New Orleans, consider this team the dark horse to acquire Lillard. There are rumblings that the team is looking to move Zion Williamson either to Charlotte for its second overall pick or maybe even Portland. But why not swap Williamson for Lillard?

The Pelicans are shopping for a point guard and believe themselves to be on the cusp of being a serious title contender. Lillard will fill up the NBA player stats and reunite with former running mate C.J. McCollum.

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