Damian Lillard rumors: Comparing potential Raptors, Heat trade packages

Which team could provide the Portland Trail Blazers with a better Damian Lillard trade package?

In theory, the Raptors could give Portland more for Lillard. In theory.

In actuality, the answer isn’t so straightforward.

There’s a zero chance Toronto is willing to trade Barnes, Siakam or Anunoby. If the goal is to acquire Lillard and go win an NBA title, why would the Raptors part with their best players? And if the Blazers’ goal in sending Dame packing is to rebuild, would they even want Siakam or Anunoby?

Still, there are pieces that would make Toronto an attractive trade partner. Bringing Trent Jr. back to Portland isn’t the worst idea. Dick, as an underrated playmaker, athlete and competitor in addition to being a 6-foot-8 wing and a sniper from deep, would fit in perfectly with the Blazers current young core and youth movement.

Achiuwa is a still-developing, athletic, undersized center who’s already proven to be a solid rotation big, something Portland could certainly use. And the Raptors have those draft picks – five firsts and five seconds available.

Miami, meanwhile, would need to find a third team to facilitate a trade, has less attractive picks and young players than Toronto and has already played hardball with the Blazers for two-plus months.

The Raptors have more attractive assets than the Heat; the question is, which of them would they be willing to part with? And if it’s not enough for Cronin, could the threat of a legitimate Toronto offer at least force Miami to bring more to the negotiation table?