The future of Portland Trail Blazers star point guard Damian Lillard has become a hot topic of discussion among basketball enthusiasts and experts alike. Lillard, known for his incredible scoring ability, leadership qualities, and loyalty to the Blazers, has spent his entire NBA career with the franchise. However, Lillard’s recent trade request has thrown the offseason into chaos, as there have been many moving parts since then. Dame has likely made it clear that he wants to only play in Miami, while the Trail Blazers are encouraging any and all teams to start making offers.

It is time to encourage the potential trade packages that could facilitate the departure of Damian Lillard from the Trail Blazers. By examining 10 compelling trade scenarios that could benefit both Lillard and his new team, there could be massive changes in both the Western Conference and Eastern Conference with a blockbuster deal for Dame. While Lillard’s departure would undoubtedly leave a significant void in Portland, these packages aim to strike a balance between the Blazers’ needs for the future and Lillard’s desire to compete for a title.

From established contenders seeking that final missing piece to up-and-coming teams looking to build around a superstar, the proposed trade packages cater to different scenarios and aspirations across the NBA landscape. Additionally, the potential impact of Lillard’s arrival on the new team is discussed, considering how he could complement existing talent or serve as the centerpiece of a revamped roster. Without further ado, here are the 10 best trade packages for Damian Lillard right now.

10. San Antonio Spurs

Trade Package: Keldon Johnson, Doug McDermott, Devin Vassell, 2026 First-Round Pick, 2028 First-Round Pick for Damian Lillard

From the Trail Blazers’ standpoint, this trade package offers a mix of immediate and future assets. Keldon Johnson, a young and promising wing player, brings a solid two-way s𝓀𝒾𝓁𝓁 set, including defensive tenacity and scoring potential. His athleticism and versatility could help fill the void left by Lillard’s departure, particularly on the defensive end. At 23 years old, Johnson came off a season posting 22.0 PPG and 5.0 RPG over 63 games played.

Devin Vassell, a talented young wing, offers intriguing potential at only 22 years old. His defensive prowess, length, and growing offensive game could be nurtured and developed within the Blazers’ system, providing a long-term asset for the team alongside Scoot Henderson and Shaedon Sharpe. Doug McDermott, known for his sharpshooting abilities, would provide the Blazers with valuable perimeter shooting after nailing 41.3% from deep last season.

In addition to these player assets, the acquisition of two future first-round picks (2026 and 2028) enhances the Blazers’ ability to rebuild and replenish their roster. These picks could be used to draft promising talent or serve as trade assets in future deals, allowing the team to shape its future more effectively. Meanwhile, the San Antonio Spurs get their man and immediately become a playoff contender. Lillard and Victor Wembanyama would become one of the best duos in the NBA and under Gregg Popovich’s tutelage, the Spurs will be on the map as soon as the 2023-24 season with the likes of Jeremy Sochan playing an important role in the starting lineup.

Wembanyama is only 19 years old but has the two-way s𝓀𝒾𝓁𝓁s to make a major impact in the West alongside a superstar of Lillard’s capabilities. Getting the chance to play under an all-time great head coach and the best big man of his career would also be a blessing for Lillard, who probably does not want to just join a superteam but build one of his own alongside youngsters and a new franchise.

9. Oklahoma City Thunder

Trade Package: Josh Giddey, Luguentz Dort, 2024 First-Round Pick, 2026 First-Round Pick, 2027 First-Round Pick For Damian Lillard

The proposed trade package involving Josh Giddey, Luguentz Dort, and three future first-round picks presents a compelling scenario for both the Portland Trail Blazers and the Oklahoma City Thunder. Josh Giddey, a young and highly regarded playmaking guard, possesses excellent court vision, basketball IQ, and the potential for long-term growth. His ability to create for others and contribute in multiple facets of the game could soften the blow of losing a superstar like Lillard. In fact, Giddey is a perfect complement alongside Scoot Henderson because he owns a beautiful all-around game after posting 16.6 PPG, 7.9 RPG, and 6.2 APG this past season.

Luguentz Dort, known for his tenacious defense and improved offensive game, would bring defensive intensity and versatility to the Blazers. His ability to guard multiple positions and provide scoring bursts could help fortify the team’s perimeter defense and add depth to their rotation. Obviously, the inclusion of three future first-round picks (2024, 2026, and 2027) provides the Trail Blazers with valuable assets to either select promising young talent or utilize in future trades to further bolster their roster. Since Portland is losing Lillard almost no matter what, they can rebuild quickly.

For the Oklahoma City Thunder, they can create a Big Three with All-Star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and No. 1 overall pick Chet Holmgren. The Thunder were a play-in team this season, and they achieved it without the presence of Holmgren. Next season, he will be back and ready to prove that Victor Wembanyama isn’t the only lanky center that should be feared. Gilgeous-Alexander is a superstar already at 24 years old, and after posting 31.4 PPG, 4.8 RPG, and 5.5 APG, the Thunder are onto something since trading Paul George.

The Thunder, with Lillard, will have enough talent to challenge for a top-4 seed in the West as quickly as next season and they could go for this deal to quickly facilitate Holmgren’s development and give Gilgeous-Alexander the chance to prove he is ready to win at the highest level.

8. Los Angeles Clippers

Trade Package: Norman Powell, Terance Mann, Ivica Zubac, 2028 First-Round Pick for Damian Lillard

This trade package offers a combination of immediate contributors and future assets for the Portland Trail Blazers. Norman Powell, an accomplished scorer and solid two-way player, would provide the Blazers with a reliable offensive option. Powell’s ability to create his shot, score from the perimeter, and defend multiple positions would add versatility to the Blazers’ lineup as a starter or bench player. Powell averaged 17.0 PPG last season as the 6th man for the Clippers.

Meanwhile, Terance Mann, a young and emerging talent, brings energy, athleticism, and defensive potential to the table. His ability to attack the rim, defend multiple positions, and contribute in various facets of the game could provide a boost to the Blazers’ rotation. Ivica Zubac, a s𝓀𝒾𝓁𝓁ed center, would offer interior presence, rebounding, and shot-blocking abilities. His size and defensive prowess would address the Blazers’ needs in the frontcourt, providing stability in the paint. Both Mann and Zubac are under 27 years old, so they will fit into the rebuilding plans. Of course, the first-round pick will be especially valuable.

The Clippers absolutely win this deal as they form a dominant Big Three alongside Kawhi Leonard and Paul George. This is a dynamic trio that is built to win a championship and there will be no more excuses. The Clippers finished with a 44-38 record in the Western Conference and made it to the playoffs, but they were bounced in the first round. After re-signing Russell Westbrook, the Clippers aim to win a title and they can short-cut that by acquiring Lillard and pushing Russ to the bench again.

The Clippers can also start Westbrook and Lillard together with Leonard and George on the wings, creating a “Death Lineup” with pace and space. Whatever the Clippers decide to do with Westbrook, acquiring Lillard would give them the best all-around team in the West even if they gave up three valuable starters and role players.

7. Chicago Bulls

Trade Package: Zach LaVine, 2026 First-Round Pick, 2028 First-Round Pick for Damian Lillard

The Chicago Bulls could be rebuilding, but that could only mean a straight swap of star players to reshuffle the roster. Chicago would secure a perennial All-Star and an elite scorer. Lillard’s ability to create his shot, shoot from deep, and perform in pressure situations would instantly elevate the team’s offensive firepower and provide a reliable go-to option alongside an All-Star in DeMar DeRozan.

DeRozan is good enough to be the second option on a title contender, and he did average 24.5 PPG on 50.4% FG last season. Not to mention, the Bulls re-signed Nikola Vucevic to a fully guaranteed 3-year, $60 million deal, so he is the starting center for the future. A Big Three of Lillard, DeRozan, and Vucevic would be good enough to at least challenge for the Western Conference Finals. While the departure of Zach LaVine and the future first-round picks may result in a loss of long-term contributors and potential assets, the acquisition of a player of Lillard’s caliber is a rare opportunity to secure a superstar. The team would need to rely on their existing depth or make additional moves to fill the void created by the outgoing players.

Zach LaVine, an explosive shooting guard, would provide the Blazers with a high-level scorer and playmaker. Zach LaVine would provide an immediate scoring boost and playmaking ability. His athleticism, shot creation, and offensive versatility would help offset the departure of Lillard and ensure the team remains competitive in the near term. The shooting guard averaged 24.8 PPG, 4.5 RPG, and 4.2 APG this past season and just missed out on the All-Star Team. However, he is clearly capable of making another All-Star Team since he is only 28 years old.

In addition to LaVine’s immediate impact, the inclusion of two future first-round picks (2026 and 2028) offers the Trail Blazers valuable assets for future planning. These picks could be utilized to select promising young talent or be involved in potential trades to further strengthen the team’s roster because they are giving up the best player in this deal, Damian Lillard.

6. Los Angeles Lakers

Trade Package: D’Angelo Russell, Austin Reaves, 2029 First-Round Pick for Damian Lillard

The Los Angeles Lakers have a win-now mentality, and acquiring a superstar like Damian Lillard would instantly elevate their championship aspirations. Lillard’s scoring ability, leadership, and experience in high-pressure situations would complement LeBron James and Anthony Davis, creating a formidable “Big Three” capable of challenging for a title. Lillard’s offensive firepower and clutch performances would alleviate the Lakers’ reliance on LeBron James to carry the scoring load, providing a reliable go-to option.

The Lakes probably have one more season to go all-in, as LeBron James has a $51.4 million player option in the 2025 season and Anthony Davis has a $43.2 million option. These two players are unsure about their futures because they are in for one final run to see how things play out in the West. Acquiring Lillard at 32 years old means the championship window is extended and both James and Davis can be re-signed to longer-term deals so The King can see out his career in Los Angeles.

On the other end, the Trail Blazers could view this trade as an opportunity to kickstart their rebuilding phase. D’Angelo Russell, a talented point guard, would serve as a young and dynamic replacement for Lillard at 27 years old. Russell’s scoring ability, playmaking s𝓀𝒾𝓁𝓁s, and three-point shooting would bring excitement and offensive versatility to the Blazers’ backcourt. Pairing Russell with Scoot Henderson could create an intriguing and potent scoring duo for the future. Additionally, Austin Reaves, a promising young player, would provide depth and potential development.

The inclusion of a 2029 first-round pick would offer long-term value for the Trail Blazers. This pick could be used to select a highly touted prospect or act as a trade asset to acquire additional talent or draft capital in the future. The pick provides flexibility for the Trail Blazers to shape their roster and plan for sustained success beyond the immediate term.

5. Boston Celtics

Trade Package: Jaylen Brown, 2024 First-Round Pick, 2025 First-Round Pick for Damian Lillard

The Boston Celtics have been searching for a true superstar point guard to elevate their championship aspirations. Damian Lillard would provide an immediate solution to their playmaking and scoring needs. Lillard’s elite scoring ability, deep shooting range, and clutch performances would provide a reliable scoring option alongside Jayson Tatum, creating a dynamic duo for the Celtics. Lillard’s leadership and experience in high-pressure situations would also greatly benefit a young Celtics roster.

Damian Lillard’s ability to play off the ball and shoot from deep would synergize well with Jayson Tatum’s scoring prowess. The two stars would form a formidable offensive duo capable of stretching defenses and creating scoring opportunities for themselves and their teammates. Lillard’s playmaking ability would also enhance the Celtics’ overall offensive flow and improve their half-court execution. Losing Jaylen Brown will hurt as the 2-time All-Star is only 26 years old, but he is not on the level of Lillard as a superstar player. Instead of paying Brown the supermax, trading him for a top-15 player in the world could make sense, especially after Marcus Smart is no longer the Celtics’ point guard.

On the other end, this trade would allow the Trail Blazers to kickstart their rebuilding process. Jaylen Brown, an emerging star, would provide them with a young and talented wing player who can score, defend, and contribute in multiple areas. Brown’s athleticism, versatility, and defensive prowess would complement Scoot Henderson and provide a strong foundation for the Blazers’ future. Additionally, the inclusion of two first-round picks would give the Trail Blazers valuable assets to draft promising young talent or use in future trades to further bolster their roster.

The financial aspects of this trade could work favorably for both teams. Jaylen Brown’s contract aligns with the timelines of the Trail Blazers’ current roster, providing them with a long-term asset. Brown is a free agent following the 2023-24 season, so signing him for the long term makes more sense than continuing to pay Lillard, who is over 32 years old.

4. Miami Heat

Trade Package: Tyler Herro, Duncan Robinson, Nikola Jovic, 2029 First-Round Pick for Damian Lillard

The Heat have been in search for their third All-Star to complement their existing core led by Jimmy Butler and Bam Adebayo. Damian Lillard would provide an immediate solution to their playmaking and scoring needs that Miami sorely needs. The Heat ranked 30th in PPG and 25th in offensive rating, so clearly they need an offensive star because Butler and Adebayo are complementary offensive players and primary defenders. Lillard’s elite scoring ability, leadership, and clutch performances would elevate the Heat’s offensive firepower and provide a reliable go-to option alongside Jimmy Butler.

Lillard’s deep shooting range and ability to create his shot would greatly enhance the Heat’s half-court offense and provide a significant boost in their pursuit of a championship. At the same time, acquiring Dame means the player will be happy to stay with the team for the long term because that is where he wants to be. The Heat made the 2023 NBA Finals with Butler and Adebayo as the primary scorers, so giving them Lillard would take them over the top. A starting lineup with Damian Lillard, Josh Richardson, Jimmy Butler, Caleb Martin, and Bam Adebayo is far more stacked than most teams in the East, along with the Boston Celtics and Milwaukee Bucks.

With this deal, the Portland Trail Blazers rebuild quickly with a new franchise cornerstone and some solid role players. Tyler Herro and Duncan Robinson would provide the Trail Blazers with a boost in shooting and scoring. Herro’s shot creation and scoring ability, coupled with Robinson’s elite three-point shooting, would add versatility to the Blazers’ backcourt and provide valuable offensive weapons. A backcourt of Henderson and Herro is talented enough for future stardom since the former is 19 years old and the latter is still only 23 years old and close to All-Star status.

Nikola Jovic, a young and developing center, would offer frontcourt depth and potential upside for the Blazers. Additionally, the inclusion of a 2029 first-round pick would give the Trail Blazers an asset to further supplement their rebuild through the draft or potential trades. Sending Lillard to the destination he wants will also do the loyal superstar right because he might deserve it after years of frustration.

3. Philadelphia 76ers

Trade Package: Tyrese Maxey, Tobias Harris, 2024 First-Round Pick, 2029 First-Round Pick for Damian Lillard

The 76ers are losing James Harden, but there might be a way to keep him by acquiring superstar point guard Damian Lillard. Damian Lillard would immediately address their playmaking, scoring, and leadership needs, while James Harden doesn’t have to handle the playmaking duties and lead the league in APG again. Lillard’s elite scoring ability, deep shooting range, and clutch performances would provide the 76ers with a reliable go-to option alongside Joel Embiid.

Perhaps most importantly, Lillard’s experience and ability in high-pressure situations would greatly enhance the 76ers’ offensive execution, creating better scoring opportunities for their entire roster. There has been heavy criticism of Embiid and Harden for the fact that each player has struggled in the clutch. Joel has had too many poor moments in the playoffs and Harden has disappointed fans since his first and only Finals appearance back in the 2011-12 season. Lillard isn’t afraid of clutch time, and in fact, “Dame Time” is exactly what the 76ers need because Embiid and Harden are good enough to carry the regular season but not the playoffs.

Meanwhile, the Trail Blazers improve their long-term backcourt with Tyrese Maxey, a promising young guard. Maxey’s quickness, shooting ability, and potential for growth make him an enticing asset because he is only 22 years old and averaged 20.3 PPG last season. When paying a player a max deal, Maxey deserves it because he can play for the franchise for an entire decade alongside Scoot Henderson. Of course, Tobias Harris would provide veteran leadership, scoring, and versatility at the forward position, serving as a valuable piece during the rebuild.

The inclusion of two first-round picks (2024 and 2029) would grant the Trail Blazers valuable assets to draft promising young players or use in future trades to further bolster their roster. By the time the 2029 season rolls around, the 76ers won’t be much of a factor since Embiid’s body will likely break down and Lillard will likely be retired along with Harden. The Trail Blazers need to play the long game and the deal with Philadelphia suits them greatly.

2. Memphis Grizzlies

Trade Package: Ja Morant for Damian Lillard

It is not often we see a blockbuster swap between two superstars, but this could be a case that could happen. For the Memphis Grizzlies, acquiring Damian Lillard would provide an established superstar and one of the league’s premier guards at his mature best. Lillard’s scoring ability, leadership qualities, and clutch performances would immediately elevate the Grizzlies’ championship aspirations because the team just added Marcus Smart, who is another mature veteran who wants to win at all costs. His presence would also bring valuable mentorship to their young core, including Jaren Jackson Jr., who is an All-Star defensive force, and Desmond Bane who is developing into an All-Star.

However, giving up Ja Morant, a rising star and the face of the franchise, would be a difficult decision for the Grizzlies. Morant’s explosive athleticism, playmaking s𝓀𝒾𝓁𝓁s, and ability to finish at the rim have made him one of the most exciting young guards in the league. But his maturity has been in question, and the 23-year-old is at least a few years away from reaching his true potential and getting his act together. Unfortunately, there may be more drama since Moran’t friend, Davonte Pack, has an arrest warrant. Rather than dealing with the off-court drama, Memphis can add Damian Lillard and revolutionize the starting lineup with Marcus Smart, Desmond Bane, and Jaren Jackson Jr leading the way.

From the Portland Trail Blazers’ standpoint, acquiring Ja Morant would present an opportunity to secure a young and dynamic point guard with immense upside. Morant’s athleticism, court vision, and ability to create for himself and his teammates make him a potential franchise centerpiece. Pairing Morant with Scoot Henderson would create a dynamic and explosive backcourt for the Blazers, capable of generating mismatches and putting constant pressure on opposing defenses. Perhaps most importantly, the amount of highlights they would create would be endless.

Scoot has been compared to Ja Morant on many occasions because of his competitiveness, athleticism, and explosiveness, so having two of them in the same backcourt would be beyond marvelous. Portland would also have two stars under 24 years old to lead their franchise and Morant would probably be on better behavior outside the city of Memphis. Sending Lillard to the Western Conference also prevents the player from hurting Portland in the Eastern Conference, so that means the Trail Blazers can build a title contender slowly but surely.

1. New Orleans Pelicans

Trade Package: Zion Williamson, 2028 First-Round Pick for Damian Lillard

The best trade package for the Portland Trail Blazers has to be Zion Williamson and the 2018 First-Round Pick. This is true for a few reasons. Firstly, Zion is only 23 years old and has an entire career ahead of him. Williamson has been criticized for being unable to stay healthy, playing a total of 114 games over four seasons without having a single playoff appearance. There is also criticism about Zion’s weight, which the player has openly admitted is affecting him. Despite these negative factors, Zion has the talent and size to be the face of the NBA one day.

Portland can pair Scoot Henderson with Zion Williamson to create the best athletic little-big duo in the NBA. The pick-and-roll would be unstoppable and they will learn to grow together on both ends of the court. At the same time, the Trail Blazers can rebuild without having to lose too many games. Rather, Henderson and Williamson would be able to guide this team to the playoffs, especially if Shaedon Sharpe and Anfernee Simons can reach their potential quickly as well. Losing Damian Lillard hurts, but getting back a 23-year-old Zion Williamson and the 2028 First-Round Pick is worth it.

The Pelicans, in turn, start making noise in the West. A starting lineup led by Lillard, CJ McCollum, Brandon Ingram, and Jonas Valanciunas would be supremely dominant. The reunion of Lillard and McCollum would be impressive as both stars are go-to scorers with supreme confidence in clutch moments. This time, they will have an All-Star wing in Brandon Ingram and a big man in Valanciunas who is a rebounding phenom and isn’t as slow-footed as past big men that Lillard and McCollum have had.

New Orleans might want to move on from the Zion drama and start winning now, so a deal for bonafide superstar Damian Lillard could be in the cards. The Pelicans finished 9th in the Western Conference this past season, and while there are improvements, they are a true superstar (who is available) away from actually competing for a top-4 seed. The Pelicans franchise has been patient over the last decade, losing Anthony Davis and dealing with Zion Williamson’s lack of availability. It is time to be shrewd and go all-in in the West because a lineup led by Lillard, McCollum, Ingram, and Valanciunas would be great enough to challenge for a top-4 seed over the next few seasons.