Some people never give up. They just don’t know when to quit. It’s an admirable mindset – but it can also be a foolish one. Even NBA players (sometimes).

After all, there’s value in cutting your losses. You shouldn’t be too quick to do so: giving up when you still had a chance is a mortal sin. On the other hand, sometimes, you just don’t have a chance. 

Damian Lillard seems to fit this profile. He infamously refuses to “run from the grind” by leaving the Portland Trail Blazers. In fact, it feels like Lillard would rather go down with this ship than jump to one that was en route to an NBA championship. 

We don’t mean to be overly critical. In some ways, we hold tremendous respect for Lillard’s mentality.

LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Damian Lillard, Portland Trail Blazers & Miami Heat Updates

With that said, if his new-look Blazers don’t look especially competitive by the 2022-23 trade deadline, it’s hard to imagine how they’ll ever assemble a championship roster around Dame. 

If the star point guard, or the organization, decides to cut their losses this season, here’s a deal that sends Lillard to the Miami Heat.