Raptors emerging as serious threat to land All-Star PG

The Damian Lillard trade saga is the gift that keeps on giving. The veteran point guard requested a trade from the Portland Trail Blazers earlier this summer. Lillard then made it clear his preferred destination was Maimi. However, the Toronto Raptors are willing to jump the line to land the seven-time All-Star. 

In a recent article for Sportsnet, Michael Grange reported how the Raptors are "very much in the mix" to acquire Lillard. Unlike Miami, Toronto can offer an All-Star-level talent in any trade talks. OG Anunoby, Pascal Siakam and even Scottie Barnes could all move the needle in discussions with the Trail Blazers.

"By all accounts, the Raptors seem at least reasonably confident they can maneuver their way to the front of the line, past the Miami Heat—Lillard's preferred destination—and ahead of a team such as the Brooklyn Nets, who have the draft picks to get something done if Portland is open to taking on the last two years of Ben Simmons' contract," Grange reported. "The Orlando Magic could also make themselves heard, per sources."

Toronto would be taking a risk by trading for Lillard. The veteran guard has made it clear he wants to compete for a championship. Toronto's roster is currently straddling two timelines. However, the Raptors would likely retain some of their talent, regardless of what they give up to bring Lillard to Canada. Still, there's no telling how Lillard would react if Portland refuses to make a deal with Miami work.

Lillard has two years left on his current contract and then a two-year extension worth $121M. Even if he's unhappy with where he ends up, he doesn't have many cards to play. Portland will accept the strongest offer. Appeasing Lillard will be a secondary concern to a franchise that's looking to recoup as much as possible. 

If a deal with Miami ends up being an impossibility, Lillard could choose to remain with Portland rather than move to Toronto. Portland would likely welcome him back into the fold with open arms.