For the last couple of weeks, based on how things have been going with the Damian Lillard trade, experts predicted that there might not be a swap at all. The All-Star requested a trade at the start of July and made it very clear that he wanted out. He has spent 11 seasons with the Portland Trail Blazers and has stood by them through their weakest moments.
It has been over two months since the request was made. The Blazers haven’t found a viable trade package yet. The other team involved in this matter is the Miami Heat. Portland has rejected every trade package offered by the Heat. And Miami may be slowly running dry on assets.
Marc Spears predicts Damian Lillard to be traded to Miami before training camp, per @billoram. pic.twitter.com/nsrFfri5Se
β Legion Hoops (@LegionHoops) August 31, 2023
Portland’s General Manager, Joe Cronin earlier stated, “I think the teams that have ended up in the most positive situations post-trade have been the ones that have been really diligent in taking their time… We’re going to do what’s best for our team. We’re going to see how this lands. And if it takes months, it takes months.” Despite being offered several packages that included numerous picks, valuable players, and expiring contracts, Cronin believes it is best not to rush the Damian Lillard trade.
Damian Lillard may start the season with the Blazers
The NBA has already released a game schedule for all teams. This means the 2023-24 season is not too far away. Teams have been making final roster changes as training camp is just under a month away from taking place. There was an issue that experts warned the Blazers about. That they would face difficulties at the start of training camp. Damian Lillard has already made up his mind that he wants out of the Blazers organization. What can Portland possibly do now?
NBA insider Adrian Wojnarowski recently gave a brief update on the situation. He told ESPN, “This is an organization that is fully prepared, and I think Damian Lillard perhaps is also prepared for the possibility, that this training camp may start with him in camp. And then if you’re the Blazers you wait and see what happens in the first 20, 25 games of the season to see what direction teams go in.” Woj suggested that the Blazers and Lillard could wait it out for at least 25 games and see where he could be used on other teams.
Wojβs latest on Dame ποΈποΈπ¨
βThereβll be more conversation with the Blazers and perspectives teams over the next few weeks than there were over the last couple months. The next real deadline is the start of training camp.β
More.. pic.twitter.com/6v9VaGhsxZ
β πππ‘π©ππ£π πΌπππ€π£ππ¨ β’ (@AIR305) September 7, 2023
This narrows the entire situation down to a potential multi-team trade which is most likely what will happen. The Heat have already started internally discussing potential multi-team trades. If a multi-team trade is what will happen, chances are Lillard may not even end up in Miami. However, his 32.2 points, 7.3 assists, and 4.8 rebounds per game stat line from last season could elevate any roster to playoff contention.
