- Damian Lillard is expected to report to training camp
- The Lillard to the Heat saga continues
- The Blazers won’t trade the guard until they get the best deal for him
The theory of Damian Lillard being a no-show at the Portland Trail Blazers training camp ahead of next season if he’s not traded to the Miami Heat has effectively been quashed with the latest development.
Per Blazers reporter Aaron J. Fentress, the mercurial guard is expected to participate in the team’s training in case he’s not traded to the Heat by then.
“I’m told that if he ends up back in camp, he would show up and play. He’s gonna get his money.”
Damian Lillard is expected to show up and participate in training camp if he’s not traded, per @AaronJFentress
“I’m told that if he ends up back in camp, he would show up and play. He’s gonna get his money.” pic.twitter.com/PxiJFSIcEC
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) August 2, 2023
At the time of writing, Lillard currently has two years left on his contract, plus his two-year extension before hitting free agency before the 2027-28 season.
The two-year max extension bumped his deal to a $225 million contract, with the 32-year-old earning $45.6 million this season and $48.7 million next.
This update comes on the back of the Heat being the only team seriously gunning for Lillard to join their ranks, although much of what they have to offer hasn’t piqued the Blazers’ interest.
“As I look across the league and have conversations with executives and agents, I can’t identify another team that is seriously making an offer for Damian Lillard at this point. My belief is that the Heat can’t either,” said NBA insider Brian Windhorst on his podcast earlier this week.
The Lillard-Blazers-Heat saga continues to generate more headlines, but the needle on his movement has been at a snail’s pace at this stage.
The Miami Heat Have No Incentive To Increase Their Offer For Damian Lillard
With Lillard bent on playing only and only for Miami, the Heat is set to play hardball until the Blazers budge. Previously, NBA analyst Barry Jackson wrote that the former have no incentive to increase their offer for the guard.
“A source in touch with the Heat said Miami has no incentive to increase its offer unless Portland shows a willingness to make a deal – which it hasn’t to this point. Lillard has not expanded his list of preferences beyond Miami.”
While the enormity of the contract is a bit of a stretch, there are teams keen to land Lillard, but he has maintained his stance on playing for Miami. For now, Portland is still in the driver’s seat, but only time will tell how long this story stretches.
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