After the Portland Trail Blazers were eliminated from the first round of the playoffs last week, star Damian Lillard expressed his disappointment with the team’s early exit. Though Lillard is under contract with the team for the next four seasons, his comments have led to speculation he could request a trade from Portland. And there are betting odds out for which team could be his next landing spot.
(Odds courtesy of SportsBetting AG)
After the Trail Blazers fell short in the postseason, Lillard posted a photo to Instagram with the caption, “How long should I stay dedicated? How long til opportunity meet preparation.” The Nipsey Hussle lyric led some to think Lillard is thinking about getting out of his contract in Portland, even though the team hasn’t indicated they intend to trade him.
This caption came after Lillard’s postgame press conference following Portland's elimination, in which he made comments indicating he’s frustrated with the team’s performance.
“We didn’t win a championship, so obviously where we are now isn’t good enough,” Lillard said. “I don’t know what a shakeup looks like, or what changes will be made or could be made, but obviously as it is wasn’t good enough.
If Portland does trade him, where could he end up?
The New York Knicks are the favorite to land Lillard at +250. New York has players to offer Portland in a potential trade, including RJ Barrett, and it’s been reported by Stephen A. Smith that New York is one of the teams that have been inquiring about Lillard. He said this information came from “one of the players” and “several calls” have come Portland’s way about Lillard.
.@stephenasmith just dropped a major scoop about Damian Lillard live on First Take: pic.twitter.com/MxPmJW5pQr
— Mike Goldfarb (@MikeGoldFool) June 4, 2021
The Los Angeles Clippers are next on the list with +275 odds, followed by the Miami Heat at +300. Stephen A. mentioned both of these teams, along with the Knicks, in his report on First Take last week.
The Los Angeles Lakers come in next with +350 odds. Stephen A. also mentioned Los Angeles, saying, “Who knows what the Lakers may try to do.”
The Philadelphia 76ers are next on the list at +400, and finally the Celtics at +450.
Kendrick Perkins thinks Lillard should head to the Celtics or the Lakers.
And those hoping Lillard will end up with the Lakers are already trying to make it happen with photoshops:
Again, Portland hasn’t indicated the team plans on trading Lillard, but keep an eye on these odds, as well as Lillard’s Instagram posts.
Lucy is a sports betting content producer with Audacy and BetQL. She has worked with WEEI and Audacy as a writer, radio producer and podcaster. Lucy lives in Boston and loves Tom Brady and prop bets. Follow Lucy on Twitter at @LucilleBurdge.
