It appears that the time for Damian Lillard to make a move is drawing near.
After several months of limited communication between the Miami Heat and the Portland Trail Blazers, discussions about a potential Damian Lillard trade seem to have gained momentum this week.
According to multiple sources, the Trail Blazers have initiated talks across the league to explore trade packages that would involve Damian Lillard, the seven-time All-Star who expressed his desire to be traded to Miami on July 1st. Some of these trade scenarios may entail the participation of multiple teams.
Sports radio host Danny Marang in Portland reported that “ongoing discussions for a deal involving trading Damian Lillard before the start of training camp on October 2nd” are in progress.
Barry Jackson of The Miami Herald also noted via Twitter that “after a period of no contact with the Heat for weeks, the Blazers are now taking Lillard conversations seriously. The Heat has patiently waited, recognizing that a Lillard trade could significantly elevate their performance.”
One noteworthy aspect of these developments is the potential involvement of multiple teams in the trade. The Blazers have made it clear that they seek a more substantial return for Lillard than what the Heat’s preliminary offer includes. This offer may comprise players like Tyler Herro, Kyle Lowry, and multiple first-round draft picks.
There’s also the fact the Blazers haven’t completed any of their reported camp signings.
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Furthermore, there’s a prevailing belief that Portland would prefer not to acquire another guard in exchange for Lillard. With the selection of Scoot Henderson as the third overall pick, the Blazers already possess a crowded backcourt featuring Henderson, Anfernee Simons, and Shaedon Sharpe.
While more intricate, involving multiple teams in the trade could possibly yield the assets that the Blazers are seeking.
According to Gerald Bourguet of PHNX Sports, teams such as the Philadelphia 76ers, Chicago Bulls, Toronto Raptors, and Phoenix Suns have discussed the possibility of being part of a trade deal.
Dame Time is coming soon.
