NBA Mock Trade Sends Damian Lillard to Nets for Ben Simmons Package, per BR

Damian Lillard - Portland Trail Blazers v Los Angeles Lakers

(Photo : Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images) LOS ANGELES, CA - Damian Lillard (#0) of the Portland Trail Blazers celebrates as he points to his wrist after scoring a three-pot basket in the closing seconds of the game against Los Angeles Lakers at Crypto.com Arena on October 23, 2022 in Los Angeles, California.

It's been over two months since Portland Trail Blazers star Damian Lillard requested a trade with free agency having started in July.

NBA writer Zach Buckley of media outlet Bleacher Report came up with an interesting proposal to finally get the NBA 75th Anniversary Team member out of Portland, albeit not to his preferred team, the Miami Heat.

The potential trade details are as follows:

Portland Trail Blazers receive: Ben Simmons, Spencer Dinwiddie, Dariq Whitehead, Noah Clowney, a 2027 first-round pick (top-eight protected, via the Philadelphia 76ers), and a 2029 first-round pick.

Brooklyn Nets receive: Damian Lillard and Jusuf Nurkić

The trade could be an exciting deal for both sides, as the Blazers would get a former All-Star in Simmons, who could rise back to that form once he gets into full health.

Dinwiddie could provide mentorship for Portland's youth movement, and they would get further young players in Whitehead and Clowney, plus draft compensation.

The Nets could be an instant contender coming out of the East, with Lillard leading the way on a team full of solid role players, including Mikal Bridges.

Lillard's Miami Heat preference

Lillard and his entourage have repeatedly stated that the 2013 NBA Rookie of the Year only wants to play for the Miami Heat, and they have warned of other teams trying to pursue the former Weber State player.

Despite his South Beach preference, Lillard's current deal expires in 2026 at the earliest, and he is contractually obligated to show up for any team he lands on.