Damian Lillard’s trade demand might be the saga of the offseason, as both Dame and the Blazers hold firm on their motives. The new NBA season is almost upon us and Damian Lillard is still not traded. The Portland Trail Blazers believe that if a sufficient trade offer is made, they will accept it. But Dame’s heart is set on joining the Miami Heat because they provide the best opportunity for Dame to win the NBA title.
After months of speculation, an ESPN reporter clarifies the drama surrounding Dame and the Portland Trail Blazers.
Dame’s Contract a Sticking Point
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The Portland Trail Blazers struck gold when they drafted Damian Lillard in the 2012 draft lottery. Since then, Dame has blossomed into one of the best scorers in the league and has become one of the most clutch players in the league. Dame is the source for several iconic Blazers’ moments. But after ten years of loyal service, Dame decided to demand a trade after several failed attempts to win the NBA title. Miami Heat was his preferred destination and the Heat’s GM, Pat Riley, made a trade offer in July. But that was rebuffed by the Blazers front office and since then the two franchises haven’t talked.
Why has Damian Lillard not been traded yet?@WindhorstESPN tells @BGeltzNBA and @SamMitchellNBA moving someone like Lillard is harder than it sounds. pic.twitter.com/R8HMvh6UOI
— SiriusXM NBA Radio (@SiriusXMNBA) September 23, 2023
Reliable ESPN reporter Brian Windhorst clarified the drama surrounding Dame on NBA Radio. He said, “Damian Lillard’s value is a little bit complicated because of his contract. If you are going to trade for him on the other side of the trade, you have to have a great piece”. He further adds, “Yes, the Heat are trying to get Damian Lillard for as little as possible. I don’t know if the Blazers have another option”.
Damian Lillard Trade Talks Heating Up
With training camp less than a fortnight away, the Blazers are actively looking to find solutions for the Damian Lillard trade. As the Blazers look to start a new chapter with Scoot Henderson, Shaedon Sharpe, and Anfernee Simons as their core pieces for the future. It is being reported that the Raptors and the Sixers might be interested in Dame, but nothing concrete has materialized as of now.
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It looks as if the Blazers are willing to deal with every franchise except Dame’s preferred franchise: The Miami Heat. The Heat have tested the Blazers’ patience and resolve to get Dame on the cheap as there was very little interest in Dame.
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But if that strategy backfires on them, they would have no one to blame other than themselves. Will Dame get his wish? Let us know in the comments below!
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