- The Portland Trail Blazers aren’t interested in trading Damian Lillard to the Miami Heat
- Lillard made it clear that he wants to only play for the Heat
- The Heat will look to create a beefy trade package to entice the Blazers
The question of where Damian Lillard suits up for the NBA 2023-24 season remains unanswered with the latest update on the point guard’s trade saga.
Per Heat insider Barry Jackson, the Blazers aren’t still interested in trading the 32-year-old superstar to Miami. In his tweet, he wrote:
“Meanwhile, as of early this week, Portland was still showing no interest in doing a deal with Heat, who visit Blazers in late Feb. in what is reportedly Portland’s only national TV game. To me, Lillard has much leverage based on how messy he’s willing to make this (unknown).”
Meanwhile, as of early this week, Portland was still showing no interest in doing a deal with Heat, who visit Blazers in late Feb. in what is reportedly Portland's only national TV game. To me, Lillard has much of leverage based on how messy he's willing to make this (unknown) https://t.co/y3cxhIbI2A
— Barry Jackson (@flasportsbuzz) August 17, 2023
This comes amid the explosive moves another point guard is taking to force his way out of the Philadelphia 76ers. James Harden has not pulled his punches by calling team president Daryl Morey a ‘liar’ in China, even as the franchise continues to look at business as usual.
While Lillard has certainly not resorted to any drama, there’s no doubt that he will take it easy as the new season dawns. He made it perfectly clear that he wants to only play for one franchise — Miami.
Now the bigger question is whether Lillard can resort to extreme moves like Harden, but it’s highly unlikely given his relationship with the franchise. But for now, the Lillard to the Heat trade is practically in limbo.
Should The Miami Heat Step Up In This Case?
With the Blazers ready to play the waiting game and have made their ask clear, the onus is on the Miami Heat to make things happen by putting together a package that would entice Portland.
In all probability, they may definitely reach out to have another team in the mix to the Blazers a suitable replacement for Lillard and some draft capital to sweeten the deal.
In return, they know they will be getting a sure shot bet with the guard who averaged 32.2 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 7.3 assists this past season in what was a dismal campaign for the Blazers.
There’s no doubt that things will likely crawl on the Lillard front unless one of the three parties pulls off something explosive.
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