NBA Swing: Dame Rumors, CP3’s Future, a Washington Rebuild

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Could a Dame to Miami Trade Happen?

An interview from Showtime has the basketball world speculating about Damian Lillard’s future once again. During “The Last Stand” podcast with Brian Custer, the two discussed the rumors of hypothetical trades, with multiple teams being brought up. One of those teams was the Miami Heat, with Dame saying he would choose them over Boston, Brooklyn, and New York. With Portland’s future looking very bleak, the rumors of Lillard finally requesting a trade from Portland are at an all-time high. With Lillard mentioning his relationship with Heat big man Bam Adebayo and President Pat Riley wanting to win, a trade could be possible. Lillard has stressed the fact he does not want to be a part of a rebuilding team, and after a failed retooling last season, Portland is, unfortunately, looking at a rebuild. It’s likely that whatever kind of package Miami could offer would revolve around sharpshooter Tyler Herro, who has superstar value. With plenty of teams in Dame rumors, it’s only a matter of time before Damian Lillard’s future is known.

CP3’s Future

When reports from Chris Haynes said that the Phoenix Suns were waving guard Chris Paul, the NBA world went into a frenzy. Reports later came out that the Suns were in talks with Paul’s agent, trying to figure out his future. If Paul were to be waived before June 28th, he would get $15.8 M guaranteed. If he’s not waived, he would get another $15 M, resulting in his $30.8 M salary being guaranteed for the season. Paul has expressed that he wants to continue playing with Kevin Durant and Devin Booker, but with Phoenix in win-now mode, the organization is looking at all possible options. The 2022-23 season was not Paul’s best season, putting up a career-low 13.8 PPG, along with 8.9 APG and 4.3 RPG. CP3 played 59 games in the regular season, the lowest he’s played in four years. In the playoffs, he would only play seven games, averaging 12.4 PPG and 7.4 APG, and 5.0 RPG. He would miss key games in the Western Conference Semifinals, something that played a significant role in Phoenix’s second sound exit. At the age of 38 and his play on the decline, there are Phoenix could move on from CP3 to find a point guard to help the Suns win now. Multiple teams have already been linked to Chris Paul including the Lakers, Clippers, Bucks, and Rockets. While there is still some time for Phoenix and Chris Paul to decide his future with the organization, there will be a definite answer before June 28th.

Washington Finally Rebuilding?

After nearly a decade, many NBA executives think the Washington Wizards are finally going to rebuild. While polling numerous NBA executives, many of them said they expected the Wizards to rebuild next offseason, if not this offseason. In late May, Washington hired former Clippers GM Michael Winger to replace Tommy Sheppard. For the Wizards, the last decade has not been kind to them. They have made the playoffs, losing in the Eastern Conference Semifinals three times, and losing in the first round twice. They have now missed the playoffs in back-to-back seasons, with the future not looking bright. In an Eastern Conference that has only gotten stronger in recent years, the Wizards have a team that’s not able to compete for a title. Looking at the immediate future of the team, they have several potential free agents this offseason. Kyle Kuzma and Kristaps Porzingis both have a player option, and both are likely to opt out and look for better deals. Then there is Bradley Beal. Signing a five-year, $251 M deal prior to the 2022-23 season, Beal is taking up a significant amount of the cap while also missing a lot of games. He has expressed his frustration not winning, but has not chosen not to waive the no-trade clause in his contract. If Washington could get Beal to waive the clause, that would be a huge step in the rebuild process. A Washington rebuild would not only be good for the Wizards in the long run but for contenders as well. Trying to acquire key pieces to win a championship, teams could offer valuable packages for the Wizards stars.