Few players understand the price of loyalty. Sticking to your home team is a lovely prospect. But what happens when it comes at the cost of winning? Well, we have a few examples. The player synonymous with Portland Trailblazers for years has been traded to the Milwaukee Bucks. Despite Damian Lillard’s resolve to move to South Beach, the Blazers accepted the 3-team trade that landed them Jrue Holiday and DeAndre Ayton. While this groundbreaking move looks promising, a Boston Celtics legend looks back at his own experience to encourage the player. 

Notably, the 2008 NBA champion previously advocated for Dame to find greener pastures for the sake of his career.

Kevin Garnett wanted Damian Lillard to play with another great

In January of this year, the Big Ticket spoke about Damian Lillard. He wanted the guard to join hands with a team that could give him all the glory that he deserves. A team where he could flourish and win a championship. Kevin Garnett suggested that Dame should surround himself with players who can support his game.

Advising the player, KG said 8 months ago, “I want Dame where he gets to be 45 or 43 or whatever, he’s done with the league and he’s sitting back with friends, he can say ‘Hey man, I played with an Embiid. I played with another great…that was greater than me, that pushed me, that made me better.”

Kevin Garnett’s words of encouragement foreshadowed the 33-year-old’s blockbuster demand this off-season. Taking to his Instagram stories, the 15x All-Star also shared his current thoughts on the blockbuster 3-team trade. Resharing the above clip, Garnett wrote a shoutout for Lillard.

“Damn this hit close eh…Congrats to Damedolla n The New looking bucks @damianlillard. Bucks about to be a real prob.”

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Not only does this make KG look prophetic, it also speaks to the value of personal experience. 

Kevin Garnett’s 2007 trade to the Boston Celtics

Together with the best shooters Ray Allen and Paul Pierce, Garnett formed the Celtics’ Big Three.

While he only made one NBA Finals appearance with the Minnesota Timberwolves in 2003-04, the Big Ticket was able to clinch his title in 2008 with the Celtics. During the conversation, KG reflected on the relationships he forged in the league.

Sharing his satisfaction with the decision, he said,  “The value that I got from Paul; the value that I got from Ray…the stories and the stuff that I was able to give to guys like TA and Baby…I could have never f*****g got that and my pride was the only thing standing in the way from doing those things.”

While it is uncertain if Lillard heard him, it seems like Garnett’s wish for the player has come true.

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