The San Antonio Spurs secured the team with an intriguing young prospect when they selected Victor Wembanyama in the 2023 NBA Draft. While there weren’t many big trades that night, there were plenty of unanticipated risers (hello, Bilal Coulibaly!) and unanticipated fallers (sorry, Cam Whitmore) that brought a little drama to the proceedings. The Charlotte Hornets shocked everyone by picking Brandon Miller with the second overall pick, leaving talented guard Scoot Henderson available for the Portland Trail Blazers. Portland was lucky in the turn of events. They spent no time swooping in to take in Henderson. His selection alone would give the Blazers an A+.
Meanwhile, a Portland veteran who has been embroiled in trade rumors himself didn’t seem too satisfied with how the night ended. However, his opinion didn’t sit well with the fans.
A Portland veteran is not too pleased with the trade
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With recent events surrounding the franchise, Damian Lillard‘s future with the Portland Trail Blazers has grown more hazy. Lillard averaged 32.2 points per game during the 2022?23 season. However, he has stated that he prefers to win titles rather than go through a rebuilding process. Owing to his displeasure with the team,?Lillard has been the subject of trade rumors, with the Miami Heat emerging as a top target.
Speculation around his trade reached a new peak when Lillard shared an Instagram story with the song Welcome to Miami alluding to his potential interest in joining the Heat. Jimmy Butler of the Miami Heat reciprocated by posting Instagram stories with songs by Lillard, which sparked more trade rumors. These exchanges on social media have fueled the already raging rumors about Lillard’s future.
What aggravated the situation more was that the Blazers, most recently selected Scoot Henderson with the No. 3 overall pick in the draft. However, he isn’t too pleased with the decision.
According to reports, ?Dame and his people were not thrilled that [Portland] used the pick.?
“Dame and his people were not thrilled that [Portland] used the pick.”
– @highkin
(h/t @dru_star ) pic.twitter.com/NoEhIpNQuv
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) June 25, 2023
Lillard’s future is unknown in light of the recent turmoil involving the Portland Trail Blazers, especially their poor playoff exits and dubious decision-making. Despite his undying loyalty to his team, the blazer’s lack of meaningful advancement toward championship contention has left the star point guard questioning whether a change of scenery is required for him to fulfill his long-term objectives.
What do the fans have to say about this?
The NBA world reacts to Damian Lillard
NBA fans weren’t too thrilled to hear Dame’s opinion on the pick. Many took to Twitter to share their opinion on the same.
A fan tweeted, “I am tired of this guy just retire”
I am tired of this guy just retire https://t.co/ZVOojng8y7
— The Lakers Chip (@Lakerschipp) June 25, 2023
Other fan reactions include:
Bro been complaining the whole time and never ask for a trade
— PlaybyPlayBark (@playbyplaybark) June 25, 2023
atp Portland needs to trade Dame for peace of mind
— TK (@TKtheLegend) June 25, 2023
Many fans, on the other hand, suggested that Dame should ask for a trade.
Just demand the trade already bro
— Duncan’s burner 🔥💦 (@Drobsburner) June 25, 2023
https://twitter.com/MaxiesMustache/status/1672862540538191872?s=20
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Then request a trade. He publicly has said that he doesn’t want to be apart of a rebuild, but he also doesn’t want to leave. Make it make sense Dame
— Jeremiah Adkins (@JTAdkins12) June 25, 2023
As per recent reports, Dame will now take a step back to decide his future, whether it be with the Blazers or on a different team.
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Watch This Story: ?Damian Lillard drops a time bomb about his NBA future?
What are your thoughts on this? Do you think Dame should stay with the Blazers? Let us know in the comments!