ESPN has a trade idea to send Damian Lillard to the Timberwolves

The Minnesota Timberwolves sit at a disappointing 11-14, but there’s optimism about their future with the likes of Karl-Anthony Towns and Anthony Edwards. The roster, however, could still use some upgrading.

Rumors have been swirling for six months regarding Damian Lillard‘s status with the Portland Trail Blazers. On some level, we know that the superstar guard is unhappy.

Could there be a match between the two Northwest Division rivals?

How ESPN thinks the Timberwolves can land Damian Lillard

There are obviously several layers to any potential trade centered around Lillard.

First of all, does Portland think they can emerge from trading their best player as a viable playoff contender? Or are they prepared to undergo a full teardown and rebuild? What level of importance might they place on draft picks versus veteran players versus young talent?

Additionally, do they have any real hesitation with trading Lillard within the conference, much less the division?

The proposed deal from ESPN (Insider subscription required) attempts to bring the best of both worlds.

The basic details on the picks are as follows: unprotected in 2024, a 2025 pick swap (top-1 protected), top-3 protected 2026 first-round pick that would be unprotected in 2027 if it doesn’t convey, 2028 first-round pick, top-3 protected.

From the Blazers perspective, they could at least sell the fanbase that they’re still attempting to compete by acquiring a still-young(ish) former All-Star in Russell. On the flipside, he’s underwhelmed relative to his maximum contract, and not only that, is a free agent following the 2022-23 season.

The Blazers would also effectively get three first-round picks, but at least the first pick — and possibly the first two — would come while the Wolves would presumably still have Towns, Lillard, and Edwards on the roster; Lillard has two years and a player option remaining on his deal after this one.

So we’re likely talking two late first-round picks, two yet-to-be-determined first-round picks, a year-and-a-half of Russell on a max contract, and Prince’s expiring $13 million deal.

Frankly, it’s unclear why Portland would do this deal. If I was running the Trail Blazer’s front office, it would be a hard pass.

Of course, the Wolves would jump at this opportunity. It’s a complete no-brainer, and we should all have confidence that if this deal was on the table, the Wolves would accept in a heartbeat.

Even just within the ESPN article, there were proposed deals sending Lillard to other teams that would bring obviously better returns for Portland; it would be a genuine surprise if he ended up in Minnesota.