Philadelphia 76ers are in for a defining off-season following yet another playoffs debacle. The franchise are reportedly eyeing Portland Trail Blazers’ Damian Lillard.
Damian Lillard had a stellar series against Denver Nuggets, but the TrailBlazers were knocked out in the first round of the playoffs. The franchise parted ways with long-term coach Terry Stotts after their elimination.
They have gone onto appoint Chauncey Billups as their new coach, but Lillard is apparently not pleased with the team’s off-season strategy so far. However, the former Rookie Of The Year has also gone onto deny reports of him requesting a move out of Portland.
76ers’ president keeping a close eye on the situation between Lillard and Trailblazers
The 76ers are in the market for a guard and according to Derek Bodner of The Athletic, the team are apparently more focused on moving for Damian Lillard than resolve the fate of Ben Simmons. Trailblazers’ president of basketball operations Daryl Morey was said to be focused on roping in James Harden, when the player was pushing for a move away from Houston Rockets.
Harden eventually ended up joining Brooklyn Nets, but the 76ers do not intend to miss out on Lillard. While Lillard has not pressed for a move away from the franchise as Harden did, Morey is keeping a close eye on the situation.
The 76ers will require some serious ammunition if they wish to acquire the guard from Portland. The biggest player that they can arguably offer is Ben Simmons, who is reportedly not even in touch with the 76ers.
However, it is being reported that Simmons ideally prefers a move to the Golden State Warriors instead of Portland Trailblazers. The Australian player was considered as a liability in the offense as the team bowed out to Atlanta Hawks in the Eastern Conference semi-finals.
The 76ers have set Simmons’ price pretty high despite it was claimed initially that he will stay with the franchise and improve on his game under Doc Rivers. They are reportedly seeking four-future first-round picks and an all-star calibre player in return for Simmons.
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