Damian Lillard decision to demand a trade from the Portland Trail Blazers wasn’t wholly surprising.
He had made it clear in the lead-up that he expected the team to improve, and when it didn’t, Lillard did precisely what he warned the organization he would.
What ended up complicating matters, however, is Lillard’s steadfast refusal to commit to going to any team other than the Miami Heat.
Portland doesn’t like the trade offer that Miami has presented for Lillard, and as such, won’t trade him there barring major changes being made.
With Lillard not wanting to go anywhere else and the Blazers not accepting the Heat’s offering, a stalemate has ensued.
This week NBA insider Tim Reynolds appeared on Marc Stein’s podcast and revealed Lillard’s primary motivation for wanting the Heat over all other suitors.
“He’s made up his mind, this is what he wants,” Reynolds said.
“There’s a billion reasons why. The connection he had with Bam Adebayo I think is a really understated story right now in this whole deal. They connected incredibly at the Tokyo Olympics. You could see bonds being formed. They’ve stayed close.”
It will be interesting to see how this situation ultimately resolves. In recent weeks a dark horse suitor for Lillard’s services has emerged, but obviously buy-in from him is necessary.
The photos speak for themselves. https://t.co/ez9PWyNCEM
— Game 7 (@game7__) July 26, 2023
If Lillard refuses to commit, no team will risk the hefty package of assets that the Blazers are requiring in any potential trade for him.
One way or another, it is becoming apparent that Lillard isn’t long for Portland. He is going somewhere. Where precisely will that ‘somewhere’ be, though? One way or another, an answer will emerge soon enough.
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A graduate from the University of Texas, Anthony Amador has been credentialed to cover the Houston Texans, Dallas Cowboys, San Antonio Spurs, Dallas Mavericks and high school games all over the Lone Star State. Currently, his primary beats are the NBA, MLB, NFL and UFC.