Damian Lillard didn’t request a trade from the Portland Trail Blazers. He actually “demanded” a trade to the Miami Heat, according to NBA insider Aaron Fentress of The Oregonian/OregonLive.
Lillard remains pained over asking out of Portland. However, he realizes that the Heat give him the best chance of winning a title.
“Lillard did not merely request a trade,” Fentress wrote. “He demanded one to Miami, according to sources. Lillard isn’t seeking to leave the Blazers simply to play elsewhere. He is leaving the Blazers because he has come to the realization that a realistic chance of winning a championship in Portland doesn’t exist.
“NBA sources have told The Oregonian/OregonLive that Lillard remains pained over the situation. He preferred to see the Blazers add at least a couple of good veteran players who could help. He didn’t even require a superstar, just signs that the team was moving in the right direction.”
The Heat are the only team Lillard wants to get traded to. The seven-time All-Star has no interest in playing for the Philadelphia 76ers, Boston Celtics or Brooklyn Nets, three teams who have been linked to a Lillard trade.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Damian Lillard, Portland Trail Blazers & Miami Heat Updates
The Blazers have not been impressed by the Heat’s trade package for Lillard. It appears a third team will need to get involved for Lillard to land in Miami next to Jimmy Butler and Bam Adebayo.
Lillard averaged 32.2 points, 4.8 rebounds and 7.3 assists last season for the Blazers. The Heat, who have reached two NBA Finals since Butler came to Miami in 2019, believe they can win it all next season with Lillard in the fold next to Butler and Adebayo.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Damian Lillard, Portland Trail Blazers & Miami Heat Updates
The Heat are 0-2 in the NBA Finals in the Butler-Adebayo era, which started in 2019-20. The team is missing a scorer and playmaker like Lillard, who has career averages of 25.2 points, 4.2 rebounds and 6.7 assists. Butler told Pat Riley that he wants Lillard on the Heat, so now it’s up to Riley to get a deal done.
Want the latest NBA analysis, breaking news, and insider information? Click Here. Follow NBA Analysis Network on Twitter and Facebook.
