NBA superstars trying to force trades is something of a regular feature of the league at this point. Ben Simmons and James Harden did it this year, and speculation is already growing as to who may be next.
Executives around the NBA have already began speculating about which star will try to engineer a move next, according to Howard Beck of SI. Speculation has largely centered around three names: Zion Williamson of the New Orleans Pelicans, Damian Lillard of the Portland Trail Blazers, and Donovan Mitchell of the Utah Jazz.
Speculation about Lillard is nothing new. The direction of the Blazers and Lillard’s desire to win a championship have combined to increase trade chatter, and there have even been rumors about where Lillard might want to play. Williamson and Mitchell have not been discussed as much, partly because Williamson has been injured all season.
Mitchell is a good dark horse candidate for a trade demand. There have been multiple reports suggesting that tensions within the Utah locker room are high. That could certainly spark rumors that Mitchell is eyeing a trade, which may intensify in the coming offseason.
Photo: Dec 16, 2019; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Portland Trail Blazers guard Damian Lillard (0) against the Phoenix Suns at Talking Stick Resort Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
