Heat Bound Damian Lillard Takes a Subtle Jab at James Harden for His NBA Past: ?It Ain?t a Part of Who I Am?

Damian Lillard is one of the best point guards in the NBA. After spending his entire career with the Portland Trail Blazers, he has finally requested a trade to his preferred destination, the Heat. In a recent appearance on the podcast, It is what it is,?he opened up about his approach to the game and more broadly about his career.?

The conversation took an interesting turn when the host brought up how other players get their way to get out of teams that they already are, like James Harden. Lillard’s response hinted at a fundamental difference in attitudes towards loyalty and personal identity.

Lillard takes a subtle jab at Harden

When asked about players like Harden who actively seek their way out of their current teams. Lillard emphasizes he doesn’t enter any situation with the expectation of having everything go his way. “I mean, I don?t go into no situation just expecting to just have all my way. You have what you want, what your desires is?, he responds.?

At the same time, ?he recognizes that desires and ambitions differ from person to person, but he remains committed to staying true to himself. ?Just because somebody else is willing to go whatever route they go. There are certain things that I am not gonna do, that?s just because it ain?t a part of who I am”. Lillard implies that Harden’s approach to leaving teams is contrary to his own principles.

Harden?s strained trades in the past?

He has requested trades from multiple teams after a relatively short period. In 2021, the Rockets paid a hefty sum for a large package of assets in return for Harden. The deal included three unprotected first-round picks and four first-round swaps. The Nets took the risk and his time with them was too short-lived. He requested a trade after only a few months with the team. He also publicly criticized the Nets’ management, which further strained his relationship with the team.

READ MORE: A Failed Clippers Trade Left James Harden in the Most Vulnerable Position Amid Joel Embiid and Co?s Silence: ?He Just Flat Out Has to Play?