The Damian Lillard trade has been at a dead end for a while now and the two main teams involved have to speed up the process. If not, Lillard will most likely see himself playing for the Portland Trail Blazers at the start of the season. The 7x NBA All-Star has given the Blazers an ultimatum claiming that he will only participate in training camp if he is traded to the Miami Heat.
Over the last two and a half months, the Heat have tried to convince the Blazers with various packages. However, Portland has no interest in the assets being offered by the Eastern Conference giants. NBA reporter Chris Haynes stated that the Heat is trying to include other teams to help facilitate a trade. According to him, Miami recognizes that they’ve reached a limit with their assets. And a multi-team trade is the only way they can help the Blazers get what they want.
Chris Haynes gives an update on the Damian Lillard situation:
“Portland is refusing to talk to Miami. Miami understands that they don’t have the assets. But they wanna know, ‘Hey Portland, we’ll involve a 3rd or 4th team. But communicate with us & let us know what you are… pic.twitter.com/G1IQQ3Smo7
— NBA Buzz (@OfficialNBABuzz) September 22, 2023
Portland has been extremely picky with their offers as Damian Lillard’s market value is extremely high. Losing a player of his caliber would also take a toll on the roster as well. Portland’s goal in this trade is to get the required assets needed for them to pick up right where they left off. Lillard made up a massive part of the Blazers’ roster as he averaged 32.2 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 7.3 assists per game last season. Portland will be losing an all-time great as well.
The Pacers’ involvement along with the Suns could speed up the Damian Lillard trade process
Recently, a couple of reports have revealed that the Phoenix Suns have become a frontrunner to help facilitate the Damian Lillars trade. However, the Valley Boys do not have enough assets to throw around considering how much they had to give up to acquire Kevin Durant and Bradley Beal. Phoenix also had a few extra signings such as Bol Bol, Eric Gordon, Drew Eubanks, and Yuta Watanabe.
The only other asset available would be Deandre Ayton, the Suns’ former No.1 overall pick. Both parties were previously involved in a contract dispute before the 2021-22 season. After failing to land an extension, Ayton signed an offer sheet with the Indiana Pacers. It was later matched by the Suns. However, after a disappointing playoff run, Ayton’s future with the team has come into question once again. Ultimately, making him a major asset.
The Pacers could enter trade talks with the Blazers, Heat and Suns as a 4th team, per @GeraldBourguet
Buddy Hield is a name to watch pic.twitter.com/mIcAsLu2eL
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) September 22, 2023
The Pacers have also shown interest in becoming the 4th team involved in the Damian Lillard-Miami Heat trade. Buddy Hield will be a player to look out for. The Pacers failed to give him an extension this off-season. Hield has one more year left in his existing deal after which he will become a free agent.
