- The Trail Blazers promised Damian Lillard they would trade him to his preferred destination
- The team then reneged on their promise
- The result was Damian Lillard stating he only wants to go to the Heat
The Portland Trail Blazers and Damian Lillard are currently involved in a standoff, following the superstar’s trade request. What is complicating things is Lillard’s desire to only join the Miami Heat, who don’t have the assets right now to acquire a player of his caliber.
According to Trail Blazers insider Eric Brandt, the fault for this situation lies with the Portland Trail Blazers. He noted that the team “kept assuring” Lillard that they would either win with him or move him to a destination of his choice, but then the team reneged on their promise and told Lillard they’d do what’s best for the squad.
“I have it from a really good source… They kept assuring him… “we’re going to win around you or we’ll take care of you”… Damian Lillard gave the Blazers a list of multiple teams… When he went to them and said ‘I want to be traded to 1 of these teams’, Joe Cronin told him ‘We’re gonna do what’s best for us, I don’t care what you get back’ & Dame was pissed… Then he’s like ‘Screw you I’m only picking Miami then’”
“Blazers kept assuring Dame we’ll take care of you. Dame gave POR a list of teams. When he went to them & said ‘I want to be traded to 1 of these teams’, Cronin told him ‘We’re gonna do what’s best for us’ & Dame was pissed. Then he’s like ‘Screw you I’m only picking Miami then’” https://t.co/OrZqY4joMp pic.twitter.com/qujTvaJlls
— Dru (@dru_star) September 15, 2023
There is no doubt that this report puts the Portland Trail Blazers in a negative light. Though it is fair to suggest that Damian Lillard should follow his contract, it seems as though he signed this contract under false promises from the franchise. Lillard did his part, and now it is time for the franchise to follow through and move him to a destination of his choice.
Last season, Damian Lillard averaged 32.2 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 7.3 assists while shooting 37.1% from 3PT range. He can be a difference-maker for any franchise, and we’ll see what ends up happening in the future.
Damian Lillard Will Only Report To Miami Heat Training Camp If Traded
As of right now, Damian Lillard clearly only wants to join the Miami Heat. In fact, a previous report revealed that Damian Lillard will not report to training camp if he’s traded to a team besides the Miami Heat.
“Expect Portland and Miami to re-engage before the start of training camp that’s coming up in the next two and a half weeks,” said Shams on ‘The Rally.’ “Really, at this point, I’m told that the only two training camps that Damian Lillard would report to, in theory: Portland and Miami.”
It is fair to say that at this point, the situation between the Portland Trail Blazers and Damian Lillard seems unsalvageable. Hopefully, we see the Trail Blazers allow Lillard to move to a destination of his choice at some point before the start of the season.
Damian Lillard Is Frustrated With The Lack Of Progress On A Trade
There is no resolution in sight for the Damian Lillard trade situation as of right now. It has recently been reported that Damian Lillard is frustrated over the lack of progress on a trade, and it is easy to see why. A lot of stars have been moved quickly in the past following their trade requests.
“I do sense there is some frustration with Dame,” reported Spears. “He wants this over with. Portland holds the cards. He has to wait. But it’s kinda playing with fire on this. Even if they play with fire, Dame ain’t James Harden. He’s not gonna start a fire. At least I don’t think he will.”
It remains to be seen how this Damian Lillard situation will continue to unfold in the coming weeks. It is unfortunate that is has turned out the way it has, and a quicker resolution would benefit both sides.
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
