For many years, there has been speculation that Damian Lillard should and would wind up requesting a trade from the Portland Trail Blazers due to the organization’s incapability to contend for a championship. The time eventually arrived this offseason, as Lillard requested a trade on July 1.
Because then, just about no momentum towards a trade has shaped, mainly for the reason that of the 7-time All-Star’s motivation to participate in along with Jimmy Butler and Bam Adebayo on the Miami Warmth. It is no secret that Lillard desires to go to South Seaside and the NBA has even been forced to step in, warning both the player and his agent about telling teams he would only engage in for the Heat should he be traded.
Miami has reached out to Portland multiple periods to test and examine the layout of a prospective trade, nevertheless the Blazers have persistently stayed quiet. According to ESPN’s Bobby Marks, there does not surface to be any momentum trending in direction of a Lillard trade at this time.
“There have been no discussions. It is been very silent undoubtedly from the Miami front,” Marks informed ESPN’s Zach Lowe on The Lowe Put up Podcast. “I feel the only way we hear far more about Dame is if Dame tends to make it messy. And I really do not feel Damian Lillard suitable now is willing to make it messy in Portland.”
For our discussion on who’s far better concerning Jayson Tatum and Luka Doncic, listen below:
Lowe responded to Marks, professing that he also has heard absolutely nothing on the Lillard front and thinks there is no other workforce ready to pursue the superstar guard specified his curiosity in the Warmth.
It is fairly surprising to Lillard acquire little to no fascination on the trade industry, especially considering that he is just one of the greatest offensive abilities in the league correct now. Even although he is 33 a long time old, the Blazers star however has at least 3 several years remaining on his contract, such as the 2023-24 year, and he owns a participant solution for the 2026-27 period.
Enjoying the very best basketball of his career correct now, Lillard could instantly elevate a playoff contending team to 1 that can contend for a championship. Then again, each and every group in the league is aware of that he wants to play for the Warmth, which is why his current market is non-existent.
The perception around the league is that he will in the end conclude up on Miami’s roster, but there is no telling as to when this could arise. The Blazers have not appreciated the features they have been given from the Heat and Blazers typical manager Joe Cronin is not in any rush to appear to conditions on a deal.
The waiting video game in Portland continues, as it seems to be a matter of time right before the submit-Dame period officially commences.