Despite Having the #3 Pick in NBA Draft, Damian Lillard?s Trailblazers Set to Wager for a 33-Year-Old All-Star

The heat around Damian Lillard seems to be growing as each day passes. Many reports claim the Portland Trail Blazers ace might finally be moving on from the team that drafted him. The only way he stays could be if the franchise surrounds him with help. With the third pick in the upcoming draft, the Trail Blazers could secure a star that solidifies their future. If they wish to keep Lillard, however, the time to act is now. And so, they might have to wave goodbye to that precious top prospect.

Lillard, who has spent his entire career donning the Portland red, is seeking a turnaround after they missed the postseason for a second consecutive season. In order to make the change, they are reportedly pursuing a 33-year-old All-Star.

Damian Lillard might have reinforcements coming

At 32, the window for Damian Lillard to win a championship has narrowed down. He can no longer be as optimistic as he once was wanting to win as a Trail Blazer. While he hasn’t officially asked for the trade yet, the rumors are taking flight. Several suitors are lining up to sign the All-Star guard. This has left the Portland Trail Blazers with little to no choice. If they wish to keep Lillard, the search for a second star, a partner who can flip the switch on the franchise is in demand. And their sights are set on a Los Angeles Clippers forward.

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According to Yahoo Sports’ Jake Fischer, the Trail Blazers are looking to wager their third overall pick in the upcoming draft for a potential roster update. Yes, this means they won’t be welcoming a Scoot Henderson or Brandon Miller. However, by doing so, they have their target set on a championship-caliber partner for Damian Lillard.

“Portland, sources said, is targeting forwards with size at the top echelon of the league?s player hierarchy ? someone like [Bam] Adebayo or Clippers All-Star Paul George,? wrote Fischer.

Paul George is coming off an outstanding 2022-23 campaign. He averaged 23.8 points, 6.5 rebounds, 5.1 assists, and 1.5 steals. He was named to the All-Star team after missing out last season. Even though he was hobbled by injuries, George proved he is still one of the league’s top two-way stars.

Offensively, PG13 has a clean jump shot and the ability to use his frame to finish at the rim. But what the Trail Blazers will value most is his defense. Last season, the franchise ranked 28th defensively. With George, they will not only have a consistent scorer but also a tenacious and relentless defensive forward.

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Nothing is official just yet. But if Portland does pull this off, they will most certainly rise in the contender’s ladder. Do you think the franchise should please Damian Lillard by giving up their pick or should they look to secure their future? Let us know your views in the comments below.