Damian Lillard Expected To Report And Participate In The Blazers Training Camp If He’s Not Traded

Damian Lillard will be a participant in the Blazers' training camp if he's not traded prior to the start of the 2023-24 season.

3 Min Read

Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

  • 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.”

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.

We sincerely appreciate and respect you as a reader of our site. It would help us a lot if you follow us on Google News because of the latest update.

Thanks for following us. We really appreciate your support.

Newsletter

Stay up to date with our newsletter on the latest news, trends, ranking lists, and evergreen articles

Follow on Google News

Thank you for being a valued reader of Fadeaway World. If you liked this article, please consider following us on Google News. We appreciate your support.

Share This Article
Aaron Abhishek is an NBA columnist for Fadeaway World. He graduated from St. Joseph's College with a Bachelor's in Visual Communication and a Master's in journalism.His passion for the sport began when he saw Michael Jordan take his final shot in the NBA, and he considers himself fortunate to have been a part of the Kobe Bryant era. Now he writes basketball news and analysis while waiting for the Los Angeles Lakers to win their 18th title.When not watching and writing basketball, you can find Aaron suited to play cricket, putting in some hard yards at the gym, trying a new coffee, and supporting Arsenal. Expertise: NBAFavorite Team: Los Angeles LakersPrevious Work: MEAWW, Blue Man Hoop, Sportskeeda
Leave a Comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *