“I’m told Damian Lillard only wants to play for the Miami Heat. This is gonna be a patient process, you’re gonna see Portland TrailBlazers General Manager Joe Cronin go through the league and track the market and see what else he can get in the marketplace for him, but I think like James Harden, Damian Lillard is the caliber of player and at the age where a preferred destination is the likely path. And when you think about Miami, there are 3-or-4-team scenarios in a potential deal with the Heat that would potentially net the Blazers several first-round draft picks in a Lillard trade, and I think when you look at what Portland could want in a Damian Lillard deal, you’re gonna want assets, young players, potentially, moving forward, but definitely getting picks in a potential Lillard trade.”

3 points

Don’t comments like this place Miami in the driver’s seat? Why would they offer up anything great if they know it’s the only location he wants.
Does Dame have a no trade clause? I’m more of a baseball fan and that is part of some MLB contracts.

permalink
report
reply
6 points

He doesn’t have a no trade clause, Blazers can trade him wherever they want.

permalink
report
parent
reply
2 points

If the Blazers want to take the best package back I really don’t see a way Dame ends up in Miami unless it’s a convoluted multi team deal.

permalink
report
reply
1 point
*

It’s nice to want things! Portland probably wants to help Dame, but at the end of the day, they still need to watch out for themselves. Lillard is still under contract, so the Blazers have more time to shop him around.

permalink
report
reply
4 points

I don’t think it’s happening unless Dame straight retires when he hears a different team is the likely target. I really don’t understand what leverage he has outside of some magical do-what-the-star-requests that other teams have been following for whatever reason.

permalink
report
reply
1 point

Feel like Boston could make something happen if they give up Brown. Not sure what their picks situation is though.

permalink
report
reply
4 points

C’s actually have a number of first round picks but I’d be shocked if they move on Jaylen.

permalink
report
parent
reply
2 points

I’m with you. it’s a lateral move in my opinion and you’d be giving up picks and another player to move your timeline up 6 years. on the other hand, moving some contracts and sending all the picks to team up the Js and Dame would be terrifying for the east. and that seems a lot better than Herro, UDFA filler and 2 firsts. why would Portland send a super star away for a sub all star package?

permalink
report
parent
reply
1 point

Doesn’t help agents seem to be leaking that Miami is the only option. How are you able to get a good faith deal done in that climate?

permalink
report
parent
reply