“KD not coming to play for that poverty franchise”, “Portland going on an all-time, HoF tampering campaign” - Fans relentlessly mock Damian Lillard, Jusuf Nurkic for posting Kevin Durant’s photoshopped picture in Trail Blazers jersey

Damian Lillard and Jusuf Nurkic recently sent NBA fans into a frenzy. Nurkic posted Kevin Durant's photoshopped picture in a Portland Trail Blazers jersey on his social media account.

The Trail Blazers are retooling their roster around Lillard this offseason. Portland currently don't have any All-Stars aside from Lillard in their ranks. Jerami Grant has been their only marquee signing thus far, and adding a superstar could be the franchise's next move.

Durant in a Trail Blazers jersey would make the Western Conference much more exciting. However, it's a deal that's unlikely to happen, leading fans to mock Lillard, Nurkic and the Trail Blazers.

Will Kevin Durant fit alongside Damian Lillard?

Kevin Durant and Damian Lillard are two of the most talented scorers in the NBA. Both have unlimited range and the ability to terrorize defenses. On paper, they seem like a good fit, but with Durant and Lillard both likely to be on gigantic contracts, the Trail Blazers may struggle to surround them with talent.

For Durant, it won't be too different from Brooklyn in that aspect. Durant and Lillard are isolation players of the highest quality. But to achieve collective success, they will need efficient two-way players to support them. The only thing that would be different for Durant in terms of playing with Lillard would be the latter's commitment.

Meanwhile, the Brooklyn Nets' superteam could be coming to an end this offseason. While James Harden left midway through last campaign, Kyrie Irving's future is up in the air. Reports emerged that his contract talks with the Nets are at a standstill. Irving could leave in free agency and if that happens, rumors suggest that Kevin Durant could be on his way out as well.

Durant's four-year $194 million extension will kick in next season, and it will take a monster package to lure him away.

Lillard is one of the most reliable players in the league. He has missed under ten games in nine out of ten seasons. He underwent abdominal surgery last campaign, which is the only reason he missed a significant amount of time.

Kevin Durant has also dealt with his share of injuries. At this stage of his career, he needs a co-star who can carry the burden by playing at least 70 regular-season games. Teaming up with Damian Lillard makes sense from that perspective.

However, it will be difficult for Portland to package a deal that would entice the Brooklyn Nets into parting with Durant.

About the author

Arhaan Raje is an Assistant Content Manager and Senior Writer with Sportskeeda's NBA/WNBA team with four years of experience.

Arhaan focuses on features, trends, listicles, and the latest rumors and reports circling the league's top teams and players. He emphasizes detailed research to create impactful content for readers. A fan of Xs and Os, Arhaan provides technical deep dives in his reporting.

Arhaan completed his bachelor's degree in BBA in Media and Entertainment Management from Mumbai, India.

Arhaan admires the killer mentality of Kobe Bryant and Michael Jordan. He respects LeBron James for being a role model on and off the court. The bold and decisive Gregg Popovich stands out as Arhaan's favorite basketball coach. LeBron's epic chase-down block in the 2016 NBA Finals has a special place in Arhaan's basketball memories.

He has interviewed former NBA Defensive Player of the Year Gary Payton and Ronnie 2K, the face of NBA2k and Marketing Director.

Sports isn't the only passion he has pursued professionally. Arhaan is also into performing arts in the music industry as a percussionist.

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