NBA legend Charles Barkley isn’t happy that Damian Lillard requested a trade from the Portland Trail Blazers to the Miami Heat. Barkley called Lillard’s trade request to the Heat “unfair” for the Blazers.
“I think Dame’s request was unfair only going to Miami because Miami don’t have any assets,” Barkley said on Bill Simmons’ podcast for The Ringer. “The only problem I have with Dame, he says, ‘Hey trade me, try to put me in the best situation.’ But they can’t screw up their organization by taking pennies on the dollar.”
According to NBA reporter Marc J. Spears of Andscape, Lillard is attracted to the Heat for several reasons: “Sources say Lillard is also attracted to the renowned Heat Culture, consistent winning at a high level, franchise stability, no state taxes and marketing opportunities,” Spears wrote.
Lillard still wants the Blazers to trade him to the Heat despite the NBA’s initiative to warn Lillard and his agent that any further comments made “suggesting Lillard will not fully perform the services called for under his player contract in the event of a trade” will be subject to discipline, according to NBA insider Shams Charania of The Athletic.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Damian Lillard, Charles Barkley, Miami Heat, Portland Trail Blazers Updates
Lillard is close friends with Heat center Bam Adebayo and believes he can win an NBA championship in Miami playing alongside Jimmy Butler and Adebayo. The Heat have been working on a trade package for Lillard of expiring contracts, three to four first-round picks and one of the team’s younger players, with Tyler Herro going to a third team. The deal could potentially also involve second-rounders and draft pick swaps.
Lillard 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 season. Lillard was upset the Blazers didn’t trade the third overall pick in the 2023 NBA Draft for a star player. Portland drafted Scoot Henderson, who plays the same position as Lillard, with the third pick.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Damian Lillard, Charles Barkley, Miami Heat, Portland Trail Blazers Updates
Lillard averaged 32.2 points, 4.8 rebounds and 7.3 assists last season for the Blazers. He will make $46.6 million next season. The future Hall of Famer signed a two-year, $121.8 million extension with Portland in July 2022.
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