Dame’s “Dream Scenario” Is Draymond Green Joining The Blazers
As the All-Star point guard considers a future in Portland, The Athletics’ Sam Amick claimed on Monday, citing sources, that Green joining the Trail Blazers would be a “dream scenario” for Lillard.
As the All-Star point guard considers a future in Portland, The Athletics’ Sam Amick claimed on Monday, citing sources, that Draymond Green joining the Trail Blazers would be a “dream scenario” for Lillard.
Draymond Green, a potential NBA free agent, is anticipated to re-sign with the Warriors, but one native of the Bay Area would rather see the Golden State forward leave for Portland.
Lillard has been devoted to the Blazers since they picked him sixth in the 2012 NBA Draft. Still, trade rumors have lately increased since Portland has now missed the NBA playoffs in consecutive seasons for the first time in the guard’s career.
Lillard may decide to stay if the team makes the move Amick envisions, such as re-signing forward Jerami Grant and acquiring Green to fulfill his “dream scenario”. However, the Blazers would need help making the latter financially viable.
“While the Blazers have Grant’s Bird rights and can thus re-sign him despite being over the salary cap, they currently have no room to sign someone of Green’s ilk.”
“Especially considering he’s likely looking for an annual deal in the mid-$20 million range. There are sign-and-trade pathways to be explored, likely with a third team needing to be involved, but it’s an implausible prospect, to say the least.”
“And again, all signs point to Green wanting to stay put [with Golden State].”
Sam Amick
Lillard’s postseason career reached its pinnacle when the Warriors defeated the Trail Blazers in four games in the 2019 Western Conference finals. He has never since advanced past the opening round of the playoffs.
With a youthful core that includes Scoot Henderson, Anfernee Simons, Shaedon Sharpe, and the third overall choice in 2023, Lillard is prepared to win now, despite the Trail Blazers‘ solid prospects.
Many teams, Portland included, would want Green’s defensive intensity in their locker room. All indications, though, lean toward Klay Thompson and Steph Curry, Green’s longtime colleagues, returning the ball in the Bay.
