“Doesn’t Mind Making Anybody Uncomfortable”: NBA Insiders Discuss Why Damian Lillard Will Get Traded Before James Harden

As the NBA offseason progresses and training camps approach, trade rumors have subsided but not completely eliminated. James Harden of the Philadelphia 76ers and Damian Lillard of the Portland Trail Blazers continue to dominate the headlines. Both players have made it very apparent that they are looking for a fresh start, and their favorite locations are quickly becoming the talk of the town.

However, an NBA insider gave his take on who has more chances of getting traded among the two players.

An NBA insider gives his take on the trades

James Harden joined the Philadelphia 76ers in a blockbuster deal just last year. He has allegedly demanded a trade, and new rumors claim that talks between the 76ers and the Los Angeles Clippers are underway. The Clippers, headed by Kawhi Leonard and Paul George, are widely regarded as a Western Conference powerhouse. And adding a player of Harden’s caliber to the Clippers’ roster may be the missing piece of the jigsaw.

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On the opposite coast, Damian Lillard’s intention to leave the Portland Trail Blazers has been discussed for some time. His preferred destination is the Miami Heat. Lillard’s ambitions coincide with Miami’s image as a big contender in the Eastern Conference, following their presence in the NBA Finals last season. Since early July, the Miami Heat has allegedly been negotiating a trade deal for Damian Lillard. Lillard’s ambition to wear a Heat jersey next season may compel the two teams to resume their discussions and reach an agreement. Looking at these two deals, NBA insider Vincent Goodwill gave his take on the with Michael Smith. He said, “One person we know that does not mind being uncomfortable is Daryl Morey. Because he ain’t got to coach, he ain’t got to be out there. But one person we know who does not mind making anybody uncomfortable is James Harden. I don’t think James would mind making things a little uncomfortable, making a stink.”

Goodwill then spoke about Lillard and said, “Dame is in a completely different situation. And if I had to guess, if one deal was to get done of those two, I’d probably say it would be Dame getting out of Portland. Because there is a long-standing relationship that the Portland Trail Blazers have to be able to maintain with Lillard. And I don’t think the Trail Blazers want to make it so ugly with Dame.”

How did things get uncomfortable with Harden?

In the midst of buzzing trade rumors and potential blockbuster transactions, Harden’s harsh remarks against Morey, the Philadelphia 76ers’ President of Basketball Operations added a layer of drama to an already combustible situation. When it came to Morey, Harden, who had voiced his desire to leave the Philadelphia 76ers, didn’t spare any comments. During a promotional trip with Adidas in China, he stated, “Daryl Morey is a liar, and I will never be a part of an organization that he’s a part of“. These statements rippled across the NBA world, emphasizing Harden’s disinterest in playing under Morey’s leadership.

This tantrum not only highlighted Harden and Morey’s troubled relationship, but also created an issue in trade talks with the Clippers. A reunion with former teammates, Russell Westbrook, Kawhi Leonard, and Paul George appeared to be an appealing proposition for fans. But Harden’s dramatic comments placed doubt on whether he would ever wear a Clippers jersey. As training camps approach, the NBA the future for both James Harden and Damian Lillard remains hazy. Although fans and analysts all around the NBA are looking forward to the next chapter in the 2023 NBA season.

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