It has now been a full week since Damian Lillard formally handed in his trade request, and there are no signs that the Blazers are close to moving him. With four years left on his deal, Lillard’s demand to join the Heat could take weeks or even months to get granted.
Somehow, according to NBA insider Chris Haynes, the two sides haven’t had any substantial talks even though Miami remains the only team on Dame’s list of preferred destinations.
“I was told there haven’t been any substantial talks yet between the Blazers & Heat at this point. I did speak to Lillard’s agent who told me that he’s still hopeful that the Heat and Blazers can talk at some point, get together here in Miami and hash something out. This is something that Damian Lillard wants but he also understands the situation the Blazers are up against. They have to make sure they get accurate value and assets in return. If this deal goes into play, it’ll possibly be a 3 or 4 team deal. Both sides want to try to get something done but it’s gonna start with both sides getting to the table first.”
“I was told there haven’t been any substantial talks yet between the Blazers & Heat at this point. If this deal goes into play, it’ll possibly be a 3 or 4 team deal. Both sides want to try to get something done” – @ChrisBHaynes
https://t.co/lWfhXAH07u
— Dru (@dru_star) July 8, 2023
It’s surprising that the Heat haven’t been more aggressive in their pursuit of Lillard, but Portland has made it clear that they have no interest in what they have to offer. It’s possible that the Heat are just waiting to negotiate with Portland until after they find a trade for Tyler Herro.
Whatever the case, the Damian Lillard saga is far from over. As both sides angle to get this trade done, we could see things get ugly if Lillard is still on the roster come September.
Why Did Dame Request A Trade Now?
After so many years of preaching about loyalty to the Blazers, Damian Lillard turned back on everything he stood for in this quest to join the Heat. According to ESPN’s Brian Windhorst, there was a sense that GM Joe Cronin was misleading about his team-building plans.
“They were quietly rebuilding,” said Windhorst on ‘The Old Man & The Three.’ “They tanked last year, gave him the extension… then this last season at the deadline they traded away Josh Hart. Hart is a quality player they gave away for a draft pick. That is a rebuilding team move.”
Despite the slow progress, it remains a strong likelihood that Damian Lillard is playing for the Heat next season. The only question is what kin of return will it bring the Blazers, who are dead-set on getting the best possible package they can.
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