“My Situation Is Not the Same As James’ (Harden) Situation”: Damian Lillard Shuns Similarities Between 76ers’ Fiasco and His Bucks Move

With several stars using leverage to compel trade to the destination of their choice, comes the case of Damian Lillard. And there are no hard feelings here. Amidst the trade saga where the stars are the subject of negotiations, there seems to be no bad blood in business usual. Despite the offseason drama ending right before the preseason, it never fails to draw parallels with The Beard.

With all the talks surrounding the similarities between the two trades, Lillard believes his situation with the Blazers is different from the situation of his star counterpart, James Harden.

Ready to win the championship

In a recent interview with FOX Sports, Damian expressed his contentment with his recent trade to the Bucks. Although the Bucks were not his first choice, they seemingly were the ideal one for him. “I’m happy to be here. I’m excited to be on a good team with a real opportunity to win a championship,” he said. 

However, the star did accept the mixed emotions surrounding the relationship with Portland. From gaining notoriety as the Seven-Time All-Star to communication issues with the front office, the relationship has had its highs and lows. “And I also think because of how everything happened, there are some relationships that won’t be the same,” Dame added. “But I don’t think that there are hard feelings if that makes sense.”

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On being asked about the similarities with the James Harden trade, Lillard seems to think otherwise. He claims to have no hard feelings towards anybody. He even went on to express the freeing feeling to start fresh with the Bucks.

The Damian Lillard trade saga

The star point guard was traded by the Portland Trail Blazers to the Milwaukee Bucks in a three-team trade this October. This came after three months of Damian requesting to be traded to the Miami Heat. He reportedly had requested for the roster to be improved for him to be a championship contender. Unfulfilment of this request may have further led to the trade request. But Lillard wasn’t the only one requesting a trade this summer. Alongside him, James Harden also requested a trade with possibly the LA Clippers and New York Knicks. However, things aren’t going well in this case.

The 76ers ended the trade talks and expected Harden to join practice, something he hasn’t been showing up to lately. Harden has even expressed that his relationship with 76ers President, Daryl Morey is fractured beyond repair.

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From this one thing remains clear, the prospect of being traded to the team of choice is challenging to determine and execute. However, Damian’s case showcases that sometimes all things work together for the good.