An interesting trade between OKC/Portland.

[bondom34]

I can appreciate all the Blazers fans wanting to keep their guy. Makes total sense to me and I respect that position. But to those Blazer fans suggesting Lilliard having more trade value league-wide? I think that's taking it too far.

The only way I can see that is if people are spooked by Westbrook's tendency to get hurt. Talent-wise, I would say most logical people would side with RW. But if Portland fans said they would rather have Lillard because he is younger, less injury-prone and less of a perceived headcase, then I can appreciate that argument.

I sort of get it, but he's only a year younger, is due a max-ish level extension sooner, and Russ hasn't been injury prone, it was one injury. Prior to that and since, he's been an iron man w/ durability.

[DusterBuster]

Westbrook is an excellent leader though, and his shooting overall is better than Lillard, Lillard outshoots him from 3.

He is? I'm not calling you out and saying your wrong, but I'm genuinely curious. As someone who only knows what I hear from the national media regarding Westbrook, excellent leader is not a term I've ever heard used in regards to Russ.

[bondom34]

Westbrook is an excellent leader though, and his shooting overall is better than Lillard, Lillard outshoots him from 3.

He is? I'm not calling you out and saying your wrong, but I'm genuinely curious. As someone who only knows what I hear from the national media regarding Westbrook, excellent leader is not a term I've ever heard used in regards to Russ.

Honestly, from what I've seen them do on the court, if I had to pick one guy on OKC's roster to be a locker room leader, I'd take Russ, well ahead of KD. Last year alone what I saw in the playoffs was KD getting tired (rightfully so though) and taking some plays off, getting down on himself when the team would trail. Westbrook never gave up in games no matter how much the team was down, and basically brought the team back against LAC in game 5. I'd take him as a locker room leader easily. As much as it hurts to say as a Thunder fan, I think the national media loves KD and really doesn't like Russ at all, hence the storylines. It never gets mentioned that an incredible percentage of Russ's assists are to KD or that they're really close off the court, just that Russ shoots too much and occasionally shows frustrations on the court. The guy is passionate, but to me is everything I'd want in a team leader.

[NetsWorld]

Westbrook's injury history is overblown. Look at how he has bounced back; He has come back strong and it does not look like he is affected at all by last year's injury.

[cucad8]

I'm fine as a Portland fan with saying Westbrook is more talented. But he's already into his rookie extension, is owed 3 years, 50ish million over the next 3 years, and then is an unrestricted freeagent. Lillard will more than likely sign an extension next year equivalent to what Irving just signed(5/90ish roughly, I believe), which will have him locked into the Blazers for 7 more years. Westbrook's last year of his deal with be Lillard's 1st year of his extension. That year will also kick in the new TV deal, could see contracts go up with the cap considerably. Which gives Westbrook a sizeable 3rd contract, which would run the length of Lillard's rookie extension.
Again, am ok saying he's more talented, but I think the gap in contracts over the next 7 years will be greater than the gap in talent between the two.

[Narf]

Lillard is one of the worst defensive players in the NBA, Westbrook is one of the better ones. That's the big difference.

[Narf]

I'm fine as a Portland fan with saying Westbrook is more talented. But he's already into his rookie extension, is owed 3 years, 50ish million over the next 3 years, and then is an unrestricted freeagent. Lillard will more than likely sign an extension next year equivalent to what Irving just signed(5/90ish roughly, I believe), which will have him locked into the Blazers for 7 more years. Westbrook's last year of his deal with be Lillard's 1st year of his extension. That year will also kick in the new TV deal, could see contracts go up with the cap considerably. Which gives Westbrook a sizeable 3rd contract, which would run the length of Lillard's rookie extension.
Again, am ok saying he's more talented, but I think the gap in contracts over the next 7 years will be greater than the gap in talent between the two.

If you know salaries are going to go way up, you must also know that Lillard's salary is going to go up too. It will be bigger than Irving's deal.

Otherwise it's a solid point, Lillard's cheaper salary and controllability give him value. Still, OKC clearly say no and Portland may or may not say no to this IMHO.

[JasonStern]

honestly, I think Portland would decline. not because Lillard is the better player, but because the positive value trade filler needed to get Oklahoma City to bite would set Portland back too much.

it is a much more interesting trade idea than I was expecting, so hat tip to OP.

I can appreciate all the Blazers fans wanting to keep their guy. Makes total sense to me and I respect that position. But to those Blazer fans suggesting Lilliard having more trade value league-wide? I think that's taking it too far.

I am a Blazer fan, so my opinion might be biased. but if I was building a team, I would prefer Lillard on a rookie contract at $4 million/season than Westbrook on a veteran contract at $16 million/season. that said, the trade value question should shift heavily once Lillard is due for an extension.

[greenandgold]

I think OP's got the point guard / combo guard tags mixed up. RW had a 40% assist rate last season. Lillard had a 25% assist rate. Lillard clocked 7.9 assists per 100 possessions last season, RW had an astounding 11.4 assists per 100 possessions. Absolutely no contest RW is the better pure point guard and playmaker for others.

There's also the age factor. RW is 25 and is near the peak of his development curve but he's already universally regarded as a top 5 player. Lillard is 24 and doesnt have much room for growth, unlike a 21 year old like Anthony Davis. Lillard is who he is, a very good top 25 NBA player who isn't ever going to become a top 5 player.

[MJallday59]

Fun conversation to have!

Damian Lillard
Wes Matthews
Robin Lopez

for

Russell Westbrook
Anthony Morrow


Lillard/Matthews/Durant/Ibaka/Lopez

Westbrook/Morrow/Batum/Aldridge/Kaman

[Soulyss]

I think this is one of those trade ideas where fans will agree to disagree... simply based on being fans.

[nykballa2k4]

In today's market I would bet Lillard has more trade value than Westbrook. I would think Portland would easily say no...


Sent from my iPhone using RealGM Forums mobile app

You would be wrong.

I'm in the minority of OKC fans, but I'd think about Lillard/Batum for Russ/PJ3

that would be a certifiable robbery for OKC.

Right now, as of today Lillard has more value. His contract is lower, his rights last longer, and he has no knee-health issues. Also a better fashion sense.

Conceptually, I like the original deal for OKC. Westbrook sort of holds back Durant. Every shot for Westbrook is one less for Durant (Tony Allens words right?).

Let me flip the script on this though: in a video game:
Durant, PJ3 for Alderidge, Batum. Discuss.

[NashtyNas]

Call me crazy but I wouldn't do it for Portland. Westbrook is one of those guys whom I just don't like. Neither his personality nor his game. Way too much dribbling and solo work. I agree with coach Nick that Westbrook is not a guy you can build a championship team around. For what it's worth I think Tony Parker is a much better player than Westbrook. Lillard isn't at Westbrook's level in a lot of ways but his shooting and leadership are a notch or two above. For me those are more important qualities than Westbrook's clear edges in driving ability or athleticism.

Yep, you're crazy.

[HornetJail]

This overrating of Lillard in this thread is almost as ridiculous as the Anthony Davis for MVP talk.

I don't see any possible way Lillard is ever as good as Westbrook is right now, nor do I even think it's going to be close. That's not a knock on Lillard, who is a damn good PG in his own right, but he is NOT a superstar.

[whatchaknow]

This overrating of Lillard in this thread is almost as ridiculous as the Anthony Davis for MVP talk.

I don't see any possible way Lillard is ever as good as Westbrook is right now, nor do I even think it's going to be close. That's not a knock on Lillard, who is a damn good PG in his own right, but he is NOT a superstar.

Nobody in here has said that he is as good or will be better than westbrook.. I do think that this trade would be an instant chemistry killer for Portland which is their biggest advantage on the floor. Some people might be underrating that in this thread

[bondom34]

This overrating of Lillard in this thread is almost as ridiculous as the Anthony Davis for MVP talk.

I don't see any possible way Lillard is ever as good as Westbrook is right now, nor do I even think it's going to be close. That's not a knock on Lillard, who is a damn good PG in his own right, but he is NOT a superstar.

Nobody in here has said that he is as good or will be better than westbrook.. I do think that this trade would be an instant chemistry killer for Portland which is their biggest advantage on the floor. Some people might be underrating that in this thread

True, but the same could be said for OKC, and really in any trade, especially w/ this caliber of player involved.

[Duffman100]

God help Presti if during his tenure Harden and Westbrook go out the door.

[MoneyTalks41890]

God help Presti if during his tenure Harden and Westbrook go out the door.

Could you imagine this board? Wouldn't matter the return.

[Darren_Errman]

If OKC fans want a pass first PG, they probably don't want Lillard. Lillard is a scoring point guard in the same mold as Westbrook, Curry, Kyrie although Curry is the most willing passer of the group.

As a passer, WB and Lillard are about the same. Both look to score.

Value wise, you gotta give the nod to WB. He has some negatives, but he's still a top 5 or at worst top 10 player. Lillard is a little bit behind. Lillard is 1 year younger so they're not too much different in age.