The Philadelphia 76ers are hoping to acquire Portland Trail Blazers star Damian Lillard this offseason as they look to trade All-Star Ben Simmons, according to a report from Derek Bodner of The Athletic.
Bodner’s report goes on to say that the 76ers have their eyes on acquiring Lillard more than trading Simmons.
“From the Sixers’ perspective, it would be fair to say the goal is less to trade Ben Simmons and more to acquire Damian Lillard,” Bodner wrote in the story.
Sixers general manager Daryl Morey hasn’t been afraid to swing for a home run during his short tenure with the franchise. Morey was focused on monitoring the James Harden situation in Houston last season. He is doing the same with the Lillard one.
The 25-year-old Simmons has been swirled into trade rumors following a disastrous playoff appearance for Philadelphia.
NBA insider Marc Stein reported earlier this offseason that if the Sixers wanted any player from the Blazers, it would be Lillard, not CJ McCollum, who has been floated in trade rumors all summer as well.
The problem the Sixers are dealing with in looking to trade Simmons is their asking price. The Athletic’s David Aldridge reported that the 76ers are seeking at least four future first-round picks plus an All-Star-level player. That’s a hefty price that not every team can meet.
There’s been constant speculation regarding Lillard’s future in Portland after the Blazers were eliminated in the first round of the NBA playoffs once again. Lillard this summer said he had no plans to demand a trade from the Blazers, but stopped short of fully committing to remain in Portland for the long term. He also said he would like the team to be more urgent in improving its roster.
The Blazers have been quiet this offseason thus far, but that could still change with Lillard set to return from the Tokyo Olympics.
Lillard, 31, is under contract with the Trail Blazers until 2025, with a player option in his final year.
— Aron Yohannes
