NBA Rumors: Surprise team entering the Damian Lillard trade sweepstakes

The expected teams made an early appearance in NBA rumors around the now-available superstar Damian Lillard, but a surprise team is in, too.

On Saturday, it was made official. Damian Lillard has finally requested a trade from the Portland Trail Blazers, a move that will begin the end of a great run in the Pacific Northwest where Lillard gave his all trying to will the Blazers to playoff success.

The Blazers made it known what direction they were going when they drafted Scoot Henderson third overall rather than getting Lillard some help, and that is reported to be one of the main reasons Lillard officially submitted his request.

While the Miami Heat were an immediate presence in the possible landing spot rumors for Lillard, one surprise team popped out right away as well.

LA Clippers joining NBA rumors for Damian Lillard

The Clippers, evidently, want in on the Damian Lillard discussions. So do the Sixers, for that matter.

Lillard would be a nice fit in Los Angeles and add some fiery scoring punch to the lineup. The Clippers have also been rumored to be on the hunt for James Harden, a deal that Paul George and Kawhi Leonard are reported to be on board with.

There’s a galaxy brain idea in here, too, considering the Sixers are trying to move Harden. Could a three-team deal manifest where the Sixers, Blazers, and Clippers are all involved, exchanging Harden to Los Angeles and Lillard to Philly, with the Blazers getting assets and perhaps even someone like Tyrese Maxey?

Clearly, the Clippers think they are a piece away from being an authentic superteam. Whether it be Harden or Lillard, they’ll probably end up with a definitive third star alongside George and Harden.

Superteams, especially those built around Harden, haven’t exactly panned out. Maybe the Clippers should tread carefully. All that glimmers isn’t gold.