It’s the end of an era in Portland, and the race is on to be the team that wins the Damian Lillard sweepstakes. But as fans from various organizations celebrate Dame’s availability, it may be some time before the Blazers strike a deal.
In his first statement since the trade request, team GM Joe Cronin revealed his mindset on potential trade packages and all but confirmed that they will not just trade Lillard for picks and spare parts.
“We have been clear that we want Dame here but he notified us today he wants out and he’d prefer to play someplace else. What has not changed for us is that we’re committed to winning, and we are going to do what’s best for the team in pursuit of that goal.”
Blazers’ Joe Cronin: “We have been clear that we want Dame here but he notified us today he wants out and he’d prefer to play someplace else. What has not changed for us is that we’re committed to winning, and we are going to do what’s best for the team in pursuit of that goal.”
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) July 1, 2023
While the Heat have been favored in trade talks for Lillard, they don’t exactly have the best assets to offer. Unless they find a third team to sweeten the deal, it’s going to be tough for them to outbid their competitors in New York, Philadelphia, and Los Angeles.
If Joe Cronin really wants to do what’s best for the team, he’ll only accept an offer of the best players possible. With this unexpected twist, it gives the Blazers some added leverage in trade talks and makes it clear to the Heat (and other teams interested in Lillard) that the price will be steep to acquire him.
What’s Next For The Blazers?
With Dame on his way out, Portland is set to hand the keys to their young core, which includes Anfernee Simons, Shaedon Sharpe, and no. 3 overall pick Scoot Henderson. Of course, they’ll also have whoever they get for Lillard. Even for a team like the Blazers, that’s a pretty solid young core and not a bad place at all to be after trading your franchise player.
Only time will tell how this all plays out, but Dame’s request will force Joe Cronin’s hand, and he will have some big decisions to make on the future of his franchise.
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