3 reasons Raptors are a better Damian Lillard trade partner than Heat
By Mike Luciano
2. Young assets
The Raptors have reportedly been willing to include first-round pick Gradey Dick in Lillard talks. This could be a big bargaining chip in Toronto’s favor, as he is a much better prospect than Miami’s Jaime Jaquez (who may not even be in Riley’s initial package).
Acquiring Dick would essentially be like picking up an extra first-round pick in a Lillard deal, and his shooting will make him a very high-floor player that Portland could covet. Christian Koloko has promise, and Precious Achiuwa can’t be ruled out as a potential sweetener in this deal.
The Toronto Raptors’ assets may entice the Blazers in Damian Lillard talks.
If Portland is genuinely not interested in Herro, the Heat’s trading has left them without young assets to move outside of Nikola Jovic. Jaquez could be on the move, but a soon-to-be 23-year-old rookie picked No. 18 overall likely pales in comparison to Dick.
If the Blazers liked the players Miami was offering, a deal would have been done months ago. They are clearly shopping around for a better deal, and Toronto is one of the few motivated trade partners who have the assets needed to get Joe Cronin and the Portland front office interested.