Blazers Reportedly Expected to Offer Damian Lillard Supermax Contract This Summer

The Portland Trail Blazers may have fallen to the Golden State Warriors in a rollicking sweep in the Western Conference Finals, but the franchise is looking to make a major move to stay as competitive as possibe in the years to come.

According to insider Chris Haynes, the Blazers are expected to offer Damian Lillard a supermax contract this summer.

Despite the sting that Monday's series-ending loss provided, such a lucrative contract is absolutely justifiable for the 28-year-old point guard. Lillard made his fourth All-Star Game in 2018-19 while averaging just under 26 points per contest, good for ninth in the NBA this season, and gave NBA fans an all-time moment with his buzzer-beater in the opening round of the postseason against Oklahoma City.

Despite his lackluster performance against the Warriors, however, this deal is something the Blazers should consider a no-brainer.

The true supermax contract is a special deal that players can get after playing in the league for at least eight seasons. In order to be eligible for the maximum money permitted under the collective bargaining agreement, players also need to have been included in one of the three All-NBA teams, or be named MVP or Defensive Player of the Year, either the season before they sign the contract or two of the prior three seasons. Lillard was All-NBA First Team in 2018 and made the Second Team in 2016, and is likely to land on the Second Team again this year.

Under the supermax, Lillard would make 35% of the the salary cap. Currently, only four NBA players are playing under such a deal: Steph Curry, Russell Westbrook, John Wall, and James Harden. He'd be a fitting addition to that exclusive club.