USA Today via Reuters
Jan 11, 2021; Portland, Oregon, USA; Portland Trail Blazers point guard Damian Lillard (0) shoots the ball past Toronto Raptors power forward Chris Boucher (25) during the first half at Moda Center. Mandatory Credit: Soobum Im-USA TODAY Sports
USA Today via Reuters
Jan 11, 2021; Portland, Oregon, USA; Portland Trail Blazers point guard Damian Lillard (0) shoots the ball past Toronto Raptors power forward Chris Boucher (25) during the first half at Moda Center. Mandatory Credit: Soobum Im-USA TODAY Sports
The Damian Lillard trade saga is reaching its climax as reports are coming that he is likely to be traded before the season. Ever since this news, interesting developments have taken place. The league office, under the leadership of Commissioner Adam Silver, has issued a stern warning to Lillard. This is coming after Dame publicly commented about his potential trade with Miami.?
Meanwhile, the Blazers valued at a staggering $2.1 billion have finally ended their nonchalance over their star player. Lillard has been the franchise’s face for years and his performance throughout has been remarkable.
Blazers break silence over Damian Lillard
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Blazers General Manager Joe Cronin has expressed regret over not finding suitable deals to build a championship-contending team around Damian Lillard. “I failed Dame,” Cronin stated, acknowledging that he could not assemble the right pieces needed for success.
USA Today via Reuters
May 27, 2021; Portland, Oregon, USA; Portland Trail Blazers point guard Damian Lillard (0) dunks the ball during the second half of game three in the first round of the 2021 NBA Playoffs against the Denver Nuggets at Moda Center. Mandatory Credit: Soobum Im-USA TODAY Sports
It was evident that the tension was building due to repeated playoff disappointments in recent years. Despite consistently putting up impressive performances individually, including multiple All-Star appearances and clutch game-winning shots, Lillard could not reach an NBA Finals series with Portland.
Dame’s desire to compete for an NBA championship is well-documented. Despite his loyalty to the Blazers franchise throughout his career, he has openly expressed frustration with the team’s inability. Dame?s success and disappointment with the team have come full circle with Cronin’s regret.?Meanwhile NBA issues warning to Dame
After the trade request from Blazers, Dame has publicly acknowledged his desire to play with the Miami Heat. The NBA community was full of rumors and excitement. However, the NBA has taken a strong note of Lillard’s recent comments.?
The league informed Dame and his agent that any future public statements about his desire to join the Heat could result in disciplinary action.?
The NBA informed Damian Lillard and his agent that any future comments about Dame only wanting to play for the Heat would "potentially subject him to discipline," per @ShamsCharania pic.twitter.com/5CLIrAj2fq
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) July 28, 2023
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According to sources close to Shams Charania of The Athletic, this move by Silver’s office aims at maintaining integrity within the league while preventing any undue influence or tampering from impacting players’ contractual obligations with their respective teams. The league’s stance emphasizes that public statements regarding trade desires should be handled privately between players, agents, and team officials.
Watch This Story:?Fighting for the Same Respect as Stephen Curry and Damian Lillard, Major Trae Young Props Gets?Fans??AttentionADVERTISEMENT
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Amid all this, the Heat have emerged as a potential destination due to their recent track record of success under Coach Erik Spoelstra. With two Finals appearances in the past six seasons, Miami indeed presents an attractive opportunity for a player like Lillard who craves championship contention.
