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Grade the Trade: Golden State Warriors bring Lillard back home in new pitch

By Josh Cornelissen

PORTLAND, OREGON - MAY 18: Damian Lillard #0 of the Portland Trail Blazers dribbles against Draymond Green #23 of the Golden State Warriors during the first half in game three of the NBA Western Conference Finals at Moda Center on May 18, 2019 in Portland, Oregon. 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 Jonathan Ferrey/Getty Images)
PORTLAND, OREGON - MAY 18: Damian Lillard #0 of the Portland Trail Blazers dribbles against Draymond Green #23 of the Golden State Warriors during the first half in game three of the NBA Western Conference Finals at Moda Center on May 18, 2019 in Portland, Oregon. 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 Jonathan Ferrey/Getty Images) /
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The NBA world got its blockbuster news on day two of NBA Free Agency. After weeks (months, years?) of speculation, Damian Lillard and the Portland Trail Blazers finally appear headed for a breakup after the All-NBA point guard requested a trade on Saturday morning.

The Golden State Warriors have faced Lillard multiple times in the playoffs across the dynasty era, and there is plenty of mutual respect between Lillard and the Warriors’ stars. If he heads East, the chance of another playoff matchup reduces significantly.

What if it was reduced to zero? Is there a way the Warriors could step into the Damian Lillard sweepstakes and trade for the Portland star?

Can the Warriors bring Damian Lillard home?

Lillard grew up in the Bay Area, born and raised in Oakland, California. He wears the number “0” to signify that face (Oakland to Ogden to Oregon) and maintains a strong connection to the community of Oakland. There are thousands of Dame fans in Oakland that would love to see him return home.

The Warriors already added one former point-guard rival this summer in Chris Paul; could they move him already to add a different one? We’ve already discussed that Paul’s high salary makes him a natural option to trade for a star, and Lillard would be one of the brightest.

How would such a deal look? Let’s break down the math and rule limitations on a deal, how the two teams could thread the needle, and evaluate the value for both sides.

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