Welcome back to another trade from kawntent sports. This is the first trade in the first series on kawntent sports: Realistic Destinations for Dame. In this one, a surprise team comes in and swoops Damian Lillard from teams like the Nets and Clippers: he's headed to Utah here. Utah has plenty of role players that can help a contending team, and they also have some solid secondary stars, all they're missing is the true superstar. Could Damian Lillard be that guy? I recognize that this trade is one heck of a hot take, but let's get into it.
Why the Blazers do this:
The Blazers ought to rebuild and create a new young core around Scoot Henderson and Anfernee Simons. Those two players will form a star backcourt, in my eyes as the second coming of prime Dame and CJ McCollum. What's the difference that will stop the team from being perpetually mediocre? The Blazers will have the assets to fill a lineup around their guard backcourt that is full of real, championship-level contributors. In this deal, the Blazers land Robert Williams from Boston to be their center long-term, immediately allowing flexibility to deal Nurkic this offseason. They also bring in Brice Sensabaugh, who has the potential to be a great three-level scorer in this league, along with FIVE unprotected first round picks. These picks will presumably be used in the future for a star acquisition in a deal alongside Jerami Grant's contract, allowing them to undo their horrible mistake in the not-so-distant future. They also get some solid younger contributors off the bench in Fontecchio, Horton-Tucker, and Brissett.
Why the Jazz do this:
The Jazz are a prime landing spot for a star this offseason. They have a guy who would make the perfect second option for a contender in Lauri Markkanen, along with a variety of good role players that could form a championship supporting cast in Jordan Clarkson, Kelly Olynyk, John Collins, Walker Kessler, etc. They also have another great young center with sky-high potential in Taylor Hendricks. This, along with their treasure trove of assets, allows the Jazz to fast-track to a contender this offseason, without even sacrificing any of their own picks. Damian Lillard is the perfect star for Utah: he's generally patient, and he fills perfectly into the star point guard role that the Jazz need someone to play. I could see a Lillard/Clarkson/Collins/Markkanen/Kessler being extremely solid and making deep playoff runs for years to come. They also acquire another solid bench piece who has been on a contender for some time in Luke Kornet.
Why the Celtics do this:
The Celtics have just acquired Kristaps Porzingis and their frontcourt is getting crowded. It's unclear who the odd man out is at the moment, but should it be Rob Williams, this might be the best offer they can get. This deal nets the Celtics a first round pick, a solid bench guard in Collin Sexton, and a young guard in Keyonte George to be the shooting guard or even sixth man long-term for Boston. This deal gives them a real chance to make another major splash this offseason: a package around Malcolm Brogdon, Collin Sexton, and the picks they acquire here and in the Marcus Smart trade give them an enticing package for a guy like Dejounte Murray or someone at his level.
This trade is a bit unique, so let me know your thoughts in the comments!