5 best trade packages for Damian Lillard if he chooses to part ways with the Portland Trail Blazers

#3 New Orleans Pelicans

Zion Williamson of the New Orleans Pelicans

It is an unlikely proposition that Damian Lillard would go from one franchise in turmoil to another and choose another small market team. The hope of getting a championship roster might make him see things differently. The Athletic recently reported that Zion Williamson and his family are unhappy with the New Orleans Pelicans organization for not surrounding him with elite talent. Getting to play with a talent like Damian Lillard might certainly change Williamson's mind about playing for another team.

The New Orleans Pelicans have been unable to put together the right elements to make Zion Williamson and his family happy, per @TheAthleticNBA "Multiple sources have told The Athletic that certain family members want Williamson on another team." 😳 pic.twitter.com/6kfWYLqX4V

— NBA Central (@TheNBACentral) June 17, 2021

A young budding superstar like Zion and one of the top point guards like Damian Lillard would form one of the best duos in the league. The proposed trade would include Lillard and Robert Covington in exchange for Brandon Ingram, Eric Bledsoe and four first-round picks (possibly 2021, 2022 (via Lakers), 2023 and 2025)

#4 Philadelphia 76ers

Ben Simmons of the Philadelphia 76ers

After the Eastern Conference Semifinals against the Atlanta Hawks, the Philadelphia 76ers are reportedly looking to part ways with Ben Simmons. The point guard was abysmal in the series and the fans want him gone. Coach Doc Rivers and Joel Embiid both subtlely blamed Simmons for the loss and it looks like Simmons' future in Philadelphia is coming to an end.

ESPN Sources: Discussions on Ben Simmons' future with the Sixers started in Chicago this week, including Klutch CEO/agent Rich Paul and franchise's front office. No trade request was made, but talks will continue. https://t.co/UsCfhS173L

— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) June 24, 2021

The primary issue with the duo of Embiid and Simmons is the lack of spacing, but swapping Lillard for Simmons solves that. Damian Lillard's running point with Joel Embiid at the low post would form one of the most formidable duos in the league. Lillard would also be playing in a major market and would have players like Seth Curry, Danny Green and Tobias Harris already around him for a championship push. The proposed trade would be Ben Simmons, Tyrese Maxey, and three first round picks (possibly 2021, 2022 (swap) or 2023, and 2024 (swap) or 2025).

#5 Miami Heat

Miami Heat

Damian Lillard joining the duo of Jimmy Butler and Bam Adebayo would make Miami Heat instant title-contenders. Even without Dame, the Heat reached the 2020 NBA Finals. We know President Pat Riley is prone to making big and surprising moves and would do anything to improve the roster. Even in Miami, Damian Lillard would be playing in a major market city with a championship team around him.

The proposed trade for Damian Lillard would be Tyler Herro and Precious Achiuwa, either Duncan Robinson or Kendrick Nunn via sign and trade, along with two first-round picks. With Lillard on the team, they wouldn't need many shooters and guards anyway, so parting ways with Herro and Robinson does seem like a worthy proposition.