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3 Golden State Warriors mock trades that help facilitate a Damian Lillard deal

By Peter O'Keefe

SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA - DECEMBER 30: Damian Lillard #0 of the Portland Trail Blazers dribbling the ball while closely defended by Jonathan Kuminga #00 of the Golden State Warriors during the second quarter of an NBA basketball game at Chase Center on December 30, 2022 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 Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA - DECEMBER 30: Damian Lillard #0 of the Portland Trail Blazers dribbling the ball while closely defended by Jonathan Kuminga #00 of the Golden State Warriors during the second quarter of an NBA basketball game at Chase Center on December 30, 2022 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 Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) /
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As the Damian Lillard saga drags on closer to training camp, multiple teams are being speculated not only as a home for the wantaway Portland Trail Blazers star, but also as a third party in any potential trade.

No reports have suggested the Golden State Warriors to be in the conversation, yet given their blockbuster trade for Chris Paul earlier this offseason, nothing should be ruled out before the start or during the regular season.

If the Golden State Warriors were to help facilitate a Damian Lillard trade, what sort of return could they expect to garner in a trade?

While Lillard’s preferred destination has always been the Miami Heat, recent reports have a couple of other Eastern Conference teams as most prominent in discussions for the seven-time All-Star. According to Yahoo Sports’ Jake Fischer, the Toronto Raptors and Chicago Bulls could each be pushing towards a shock move for Lillard.

"“At this juncture, Toronto and Chicago have been the two possible destinations for Lillard discussed most by league figures”, Fischer wrote."

The Warriors are almost certainly one team who won’t be acquiring Lillard via trade, even if they theoretically could. They’re not linked with being the third or fourth team involved either, with a pair of Western Conference rivals currently viewed as the most likely franchise to play a role in the Lillard deal.

"“The Phoenix Suns and Utah Jazz have materialized as peripheral teams that could factor into larger deals that help facilitate Lillard’s departure from the Blazers”, Fischer added."

Golden State have shown a willingness to prioritize the short-term future in their dealings this offseason, and the Lillard situation could provide them an opportunity to do that again should they wish.

Each of these three trades are incredibly unlikely to eventuate, but it is a fun exercise in evaluating what the Warriors could receive were they to get involved in a Lillard deal.

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