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Golden State Warriors internally talking about potential Damian Lillard trade

By Nathan Beighle

SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA - JANUARY 01: Stephen Curry #30 of the Golden State Warriors reacts in front of Damian Lillard #0 of the Portland Trail Blazers at Chase Center on January 01, 2021 in San Francisco, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/undefined)
SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA - JANUARY 01: Stephen Curry #30 of the Golden State Warriors reacts in front of Damian Lillard #0 of the Portland Trail Blazers at Chase Center on January 01, 2021 in San Francisco, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/undefined) /
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There’s no denying the Golden State Warriors have an elite collection of talent. However, since losing former MVP Kevin Durant, the Warriors haven’t been the same.

While that’s partially because they haven’t seen five-time All-Star Klay Thompson play since Durant announced his plans to sign with the Brooklyn Nets, it’s also just been brutal losing a superstar talent.

The Golden State Warriors have a loaded team, and they could become even more lethal if they find a way to acquire superstar Damian Lillard.

The Warriors’ main goal this offseason should be to get back to that position of being title favorites. Right now, their team isn’t quite there, but if they acquired Damian Lillard, they’d be back atop the Western Conference without hesitation.

After the Blazers failed to get out of the first round and then hired Chauncey Billups as their coach, things have been in turmoil.

Lillard hasn’t been overly adamant about requesting a trade, but the addition of Billups and the subsequent backlash that Lillard received from around the league may have been the last straw, pushing the star to want out.

With Lillard potentially on the block, Golden State may be a suitor for the NBA’s second-best point guard. Per The Athletic’s Anthony Slater (subscription required), the Warriors have already had talks within their organization about a potential trade for the superstar point guard.

Sure, the Warriors trading for Lillard is possible, but it’s a long shot at best.

For starters, he’s under contract until following the 2024-2025 season. He’s set to make over $54 million that last season, an amount not even Andrew Wiggins contract could cover. Next season, Lillard is set to make $43.75 million.

The Warriors could look to trade Kevon Looney, James Wiseman, and Andrew Wiggins. They’d have to throw in the No. 7 and No. 14 picks along with a plethora of first-round picks to even more the figurative needle.

It’s tough to even gauge the value of a player that’s coming off a series in which he averaged over 34 points per game. “Dame Time” as with “Game 6 Klay” is known around the league, and he’s feared late in the game.

Given that clutch gene, there’s no denying that snagging him would cost the Warriors their entire future. As we saw with Durant though, it’s worth it. You can’t worry about the future when you can build a team with both Lillard and two-time MVP Stephen Curry.

Next. Top 30 Golden State Warriors players in franchise history. dark

That said, I don’t expect much to come of these discussions, but it’s notable news at the very least.

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