NBA Draft 2023 Rumors: Blazers Unlikely to Trade No. 3 Pick; Talks Haven't Escalated

If Damian Lillard's future with the Portland Trail Blazers is tied to their ability to land an impact veteran player in a trade involving the No. 3 overall pick, he might be nearing the end of his time with the franchise.

On the latest episode of The Lowe Post podcast (h/t RealGM.com), ESPN's Jonathan Givony said the Blazers would be "making that pick" if the draft were today because they "they haven't had anywhere near" the level of conversation required to get fair value for a selection that high.

ESPN's Zach Lowe added, based on conversations he's had with people around the NBA, there was "almost" universal agreement the value of the No. 3 pick in this year's draft is "more valuable than the average No. 3 pick" in a typical year because of the talent that's expected to be available at that spot.

There's going to be a lot of attention on what the Blazers do on draft night because of what it could mean about the future direction of the franchise.

General manager Joe Cronin told reporters during his end-of-season press conference in April it's "time to start having a roster ready to compete at the highest levels" after back-to-back losing seasons.

Speaking to the media on April 10, Lillard said it's "not a secret" he's "just not interested in" being on a team that drafts another young player who might not make a significant impact on winning for a few years.

The Ringer's Kevin O'Connor reported this week the Blazers' "interest in building around Lillard is genuine" and they've explored deals involving the No. 3 pick and are open to moving Anfernee Simons to help facilitate a trade.

One potential issue for the Blazers as they try to gauge trade interest in that draft pick right now is the uncertainty about who will be on the board. Victor Wembanyama seems like a virtual lock to go No. 1 overall to the San Antonio Spurs.

The Charlotte Hornets at No. 2 appear to have narrowed their options to Scoot Henderson and Brandon Miller. Yahoo Sports' Jake Fischer reported both players are expected to meet with outgoing Hornets governor Michael Jordan on Monday.

ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski reported on Friday that Jordan has agreed to sell his majority stake in the Hornets for $3 billion to agroup led by Gabe Plotkin and Rick Schnall. Jordan will remain in control of basketball operations through the draft and start of free agency on July 1.

Teams that prefer either Henderson or Miller might be waiting to see what the Hornets do before engaging the Blazers in trade talks to see which one is still on the board.

Lillard is under contract for three more seasons with a $63.2 million player option for 2026-27. The 32-year-old averaged a career-high 32.2 points in 58 starts last season.