Toronto Raptors rookie Gradey Dick hasn’t yet suited up in the NBA but the 13th pick already finds his name mentioned in some trade rumors involving Damian Lillard.
Of course, Lillard requested a trade from the Portland Trail Blazers in July. He informed the organization that his preferred destination would be the Miami Heat but the two sides have yet to seriously engage in trade conversations.
With training camp set to begin next week, and no deal imminent between Portland and Miami, the Toronto Raptors have emerged as the front-runners to land Lillard, according to Marc J. Spears of ESPN.
A Raptors offer could include a package featuring players from a roster that includes two-time NBA All-Star Pascal Siakam, 2022 NBA Rookie of the Year Scottie Barnes, forward O.G. Anunoby — who is eligible for a contract extension — and rookie sharpshooter Gradey Dick. The Blazers are intrigued about adding a young 6-foot-8 sharpshooter in Dick, a source said.
The expectation is that Lillard will be traded prior to Monday, which is when the three teams in the mix host their media days; training camp will start the next day. However, if Lillard remains with the Trail Blazers, he is expected to be a full participant in practice.
In addition to the Heat and Raptors, the Boston Celtics, Chicago Bulls and Philadelphia 76ers are among the teams that have also expressed interest in Lillard. In any case, the Trail Blazers do not appear to be set on honoring Lillard’s request to be moved to Miami.
With less than a week to go until teams convene for media day, it appears as though Lillard could soon have a new team in the NBA. The storyline has dominated headlines throughout the offseason and it could finally have a conclusion this week.
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