Speculating about a Damian Lillard trade has been an NBA offseason tradition, but it again appears unlikely to happen.
ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski told Pat McAfee that the Miami Heat are “very anxious” to see if the Portland Trail Blazers move Lillard. However, the Blazers currently aren’t entertaining offers, and Lillard still hasn’t asked for a change of scenery.
“He’s not available now. He says he wants to be in Portland, and the Blazers have shut down anybody who has called about the possibility of trying to trade for him,” Wojnarowski said.
"Miami is very anxiously waiting to see what happens in Portland..
As of right now the Blazers have shut down anybody who has called for Damian Lillard"@wojespn #PMSLive pic.twitter.com/5hhZZPniDB
— Pat McAfee (@PatMcAfeeShow) June 21, 2023
In an era where NBA stars are often criticized for not staying in one place too long, fans would like to see Lillard play for a contender.
“I’m genuinely so baffled by what the Blazers are doing,” a fan wrote.
I'm genuinely so baffled by what the Blazers are doing. https://t.co/cUDGLL1GVw
— Ashwin (@ashwin3_) June 21, 2023
“I’m all for loyalty and massively respect Dame for it,” journalist Ryan Bellenie said. “But since the Blazers can’t contend, it gets to the point you question whether it’s worth it for both parties.”
I’m all for loyalty and massively respect Dame for it.
But since the Blazers can’t contend, it gets to the point you question whether it’s worth it for both parties. https://t.co/A2QslNsDpg
— Ryan Bellenie (@BellenieSport) June 21, 2023
“Dame leave bro. It’s okay,” a fan encouraged. “The Trail Blazers fans won’t be mad at you. They will understand.”
dame leave bro it’s okay bro the trail blazers fans won’t be mad at u they will understand https://t.co/MJuDF2kfBP
— ????????????????????ツ (@shawnsmith0424) June 21, 2023
“I feel dumb as rocks for believing that he was going to be in a Heat jersey,” a Miami fan wrote.
i feel dumb as rocks for believing that he was going to be in a heat jersey https://t.co/RZJpqnmc0m
— simon ???????? (@simonsvoid) June 21, 2023
“The best 10 seconds of my day is the point at which I think Dame Lillard might finally demand a trade,” Pablo Torre said on Wednesday’s Around The Horn.
What will Portland do with the No. 3 pick? @PabloTorre goes full Ben Affleck in Good Will Hunting:
"The best 10 seconds of my day is the point at which I think Dame Lillard might finally demand a trade." pic.twitter.com/Q90leRo0d3
— Around the Horn (@AroundtheHorn) June 21, 2023
Lillard has spent 11 seasons in Portland without airing grievances. He hasn’t changed his stance, but onlookers nevertheless ignited the rumor mill after the Blazers missed the playoffs.
While the seven-time All-Star may never request a trade, Portland could eventually deem a teardown necessary. The organization hasn’t advanced past the first round since making the Western Conference Finals in 2019.
Pairing
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