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“He Could Be Traded”: With Damian Lillard and James Harden Still in the Market, ESPN Reporter Hints at a Major Trade Involving Warriors’ Chris Paul

Published 07/14/2023, 5:50 AM EDT

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While the NBA offseason trade storm almost subsided, superstars Damian Lillard and James Harden’s market availability took the high road. Subsequently, a lot of trade rumors speculated the NBA superstars’ determined franchise to end up with before the 2023-24 regular season. Amid the chaotic trade scene, a veteran ESPN reporter dropped a massive bombshell on the Golden State Warriors fans. The reporter hinted at a dramatic twist in the tale involving the new Dubs star Chris Paul. 

The Warriors front office surprised the NBA world by trading out their champion player Jordan Poole for 38-year-old Chris Paul. Even though Poole had a questionable outing in the 2023 postseason, Dubnation always considered him as a generational player. Now that Paul has joined his archrival Stephen Curry, the veteran baller could expect a shocker in the days to come. 

Damian Lillard and James Harden’s trade availability could impact the Warriors

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Portland Trail Blazers star Damian Lillard has been on the trade drama ever since his team ended its regular season campaign with a poor record. The star refused to sign up with the Rip City franchise despite a year left in the contract. Moreover, several reports suggested the star’s adamancy to land in the Miami Heat franchise. Similarly, James Harden could end his short journey with the Philadelphia 76ers side as he also refused to sign up.

USA Today via Reuters

While Dame and The Beard are still available in the market, ESPN reporter Frank Isola expects a dramatic trade scene in the Warriors front office. Isola joined the 95.7 The Game podcast conversation and explained Chris Paul’s psyche in the Warriors’ camp. He said, “You can’t tell me but he’s thrilled to be joining a team that always used to beat him.”

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Furthermore, he dropped the bombshell saying that the Dubs could trade the veteran baller for Dame and Harden. “I still wonder,” he added. “There’s a chance he could be traded somehow… with James Harden out there, Damian Lillard.”

Read More: Amid Rampant James Harden Exit Speculations, Joel Embiid’s 76ers Try to Lure the Former NBA MVP by Re-Signing 6’7 Star

While Lillard’s proposal to switch franchises could be because of his team’s poor run, Harden’s reason to switch is still questionable as he has a champion seven footer alongside him. 

Why does Harden want a trade out?

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With less than one and half seasons’ into the Philly side, Harden hints at a change in franchise. While the exact reason for his exit is not clear, a report suggested that Harden wants to start his new season’s campaign with the Los Angeles Clippers.

Despite the pressure from his teammate Joel Embiid and team executives, he wanted to leave the franchise. 

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Watch This Story: 8 Days After Declining $13,000,000, LeBron James’ Former Teammate Set to Join Forces With Draymond Green in a Thriving West Team

Now the question is who will end up in the Warriors’ jersey? Dame or The Beard? 

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Written by:

Shahul Hameed

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Shahul Hameed is an NBA writer at EssentiallySports, where he brings his passion for sports and entertainment journalism to life. With a Master's Degree in journalism from a reputed institute and years of experience in the industry, Shahul always strives to provide insightful and astute coverage of the NBA to the fans. Shahul's love for sports writing dates back to his college days.
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Edited by:

Bilal Handoo