After Rejecting Jayson Tatum, Damian Lillard Could Break Jimmy Butler?s Heart, as Blazers Strengthen Their Position

Damian Lillard?s trade has been one of the most talked-about topics in this NBA offseason. The Portland Trail Blazers‘ franchise face has made it clear that he wants to be traded, and several teams have been interested in acquiring him. One of the potential destinations has been the Miami Heat. However, there is a new spin to that now. The Blazers are ready to strengthen their position.?

Another destination that could have been but did not happen was him playing alongside Jayson Tatum. The conversation likely happened before Jaylen Brown signed the most expensive contract with the Celtics. And Boston is unlikely to happen for Dame since it seems he is dead serious about playing in the Heat. As of today, he is in free agency and ready to be in training camp ahead of the season.?

Jimmy Butler?s hopes could be dashed?

Miami star Jimmy has said that he had been waiting all summer for the breaking news that Dame has been traded with him to his team. It hasn?t happened yet, but he is hell-bent on getting him. Butler has even been seen using Lillard?s signature ?Dame Time? celebration during one of his camps. The excitement is palpable as Lillard has said many times himself to play in the Miami.?

READ MORE: Amid Hopes of Signing Damian Lillard, Jimmy Butler?s Heat Set to Make $29,682,540 More Cap Space by Waiving 17-Year NBA Veteranment

The Blazers seem determined to keep

Damian Lillard on their roster. Recent reports suggest that a real conversation between Blazers and the prospective team for Dame could begin over the next few weeks.

Blazers strengthen their position?

The next real deadline is the start of training camp. His trade has already been talked over months and now it seems like the wait is reaching fruition. The Blazers will see what happens in the first 20 to 25 games of the season, to see what direction teams go in, so they can make a move. According to the NBA insider Adrian Wojnarowski, ?Teams may become interested who aren?t interested now or teams who are interested now may be willing to give more in trades and it certainly gives you the possibility to construct three-team deals, which is what a Damian Lillard deal might look like.?

This move could delay or even prevent a trade from happening, as other teams scramble to put together more attractive packages for the Blazers.

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