Damian Lillard “remains unwavering” that he only wants to play for the Miami Heat, according to NBA insider Barry Jackson of the Miami Herland. The seven-time All-Star has requested a trade from the Portland Trail Blazers and wants to get traded to the Heat.
The Blazers, though, may not honor Lillard’s trade request to the Heat since the point guard doesn’t have a no-trade clause in his contract.
“The Portland Trail Blazers’ desire to explore alternate destinations (beyond Miami) in trade talks involving Damian Lillard hasn’t softened Lillard’s position,” Jackson wrote. “The seven-time All-Star guard remains unwavering that he wants to play only for the Heat, a source with direct knowledge reiterated to the Miami Herald on Sunday night. So if the Blazers attempt to trade Lillard to a team other than Miami, a potential standoff looms. Though Lillard does not have a no-trade clause, his mindset — at this time — is to remain resolute and adamant that Miami is the only place he wants to play.”
The expectation around Lillard is that his insistence on Miami will discourage other teams from offering their best assets to try to acquire him from Portland. Things could get messy here if the Blazers decide to trade the future Hall of Famer to another team.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Damian Lillard, Portland Trail Blazers & Miami Heat Updates
Lillard averaged 32.2 points, 4.8 rebounds and 7.3 assists this past season. The Heat, who have reached two NBA Finals since Jimmy Butler came to Miami in 2019, believe they can win it all next season with Lillard in the fold next to Butler and Bam Adebayo. It’s worth mentioning that Lillard and Adebayo are very close friends.
The Blazers are focused on getting the best package possible in return for Lillard and the Heat may not have it. The Philadelphia 76ers, Brooklyn Nets and Utah Jazz have been linked to a potential Lillard trade.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Damian Lillard, Portland Trail Blazers & Miami Heat Updates
One of the greatest players in NBA history, Lillard has expressed his frustration with the Blazers in recent years for failing to construct a roster capable of making a title push. The Weber State product felt the time was now to request a trade after coming off a career year.
Lillard was upset the Blazers didn’t trade the third overall pick in the 2023 draft for a star player. Portland drafted Scoot Henderson, who plays the same position as Lillard, with the third pick.
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