3 bad trades that sees Damian Lillard landing with the Cleveland Cavaliers
By Chad Porto
NBA Analysis pitched three ideas for how the Cleveland Cavaliers can acquire Damian Lillard
Let’s rip this band-aid off, the Cleveland Cavaliers should not be trying to trade for Damian Lillard. Full stop. He’s a 32-year-old, oft-injured point guard who relies on his quick first step to set things up. A step he may no longer have.
He’s a name, but ask yourself, is Darius Garland or Collin Sexton unable to duplicate 20+ points per game? That’s what Lillard is these days, a 20+ point scorer. He’s averaged just 54 games over his last three seasons and if you think that number is going to go up after an injury-plagued year, do I have a surprise for you.
I like Lillard. Four years ago I’d make a trade for him. He’s tremendous. He’s also no longer the player he once was, guys of his style age and age hard. Giving up young assets and draft picks for a player on the downswing of his career isn’t exactly a smart idea.
Lillard is still an asset, sure, but not for the Cavs. See it’s not just his age, his awful contract, or the fact he doesn’t want to leave Portland. No, it’s the fact Lillard is a 6’1 guard, and the Cavs aren’t going to get rid of Darius Garland, another 6’1 guard in order to get Lillard.
The Cavs need some size next to Garland. Moreover, who’s the ball-handler? Does Garland move to the two spot? Does he get moved to the bench? These all seem like really awkward questions that don’t need to be asked. Yet, thanks to NBA Analysis, we’re asking.
The player and the team just don’t fit. Yet, here are NBA Analysis’ three trades that see the Cleveland Cavaliers acquiring Damian Lillard.