Damian Lillard ultimately didn’t end up getting his wish, as the Portland Trail Blazers elected to draft Scoot Henderson at No. 3 instead of trading the prospect for win-now veterans.
With Scoot on the team, many are assuming the Blazers will be forced to move a disappointed Lillard. However, it seems Lillard will be taking some time before officially deciding whether he wants out or not.
“Lillard’s decision on whether to ask for trade will extend ‘now between tonight and the start of free agency and into free agency,’ per Shams Charania.”
This decision will be crucial for the Blazers. Scoot has already expressed a desire to play alongside Lillard, so he’ll be hoping the 32-year-old point guard stays with the squad. The decision will rest at Lillard’s feet, as this shapes up to be the most important offseason of his career.
Should The Blazers Trade Damian Lillard?
Damian Lillard has had a prosperous time with the Blazers, leading them to some incredible playoff moments and racking up individual accolades. That doesn’t change the fact that his best season with the squad ended with a Conference Finals sweep in 2019. They’ve missed the playoffs for two seasons in a row and haven’t made it out of the first round since 2019.
It may be time to say goodbye to Lillard on their own and maximize what they can get for him. The Miami Heat seem ready to pay whatever the price is for Lillard, while teams like the Brooklyn Nets could enter the mix and actually give the Blazers future assets. The franchise drafted Henderson, Kris Murray, and Rayan Rupert, all being very good picks.
It’ll be an interesting week, as Lillard will continue headlining trade rumors until the start of free agency.
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