NBA Rumors: There’s a growing belief that Damian Lillard could end up demanding another trade if he’s moved to a non-Miami Heat team.
For months now, Damian Lillard and his camp have been trying to apply the pressure that it takes to get the Portland Trail Blazers to trade him to the Miami Heat. Nearly three months into this attempt, Lillard and his camp have not not much luck. Less than two weeks before the start of NBA Training Camp, the Blazers don’t appear any closer to trading Lillard to the Heat.
However, because of their somewhat unwillingness to come to Lillard’s demands or wishes, there’s at least an outside shot the Blazers could end up moving Lillard to a non-Heat team. The big question is whether or non-Heat team would be willing to go all-in with an offer for a player who may or may not show up or want to play for their organization.
It’s a huge gamble and it’s only natural for many teams around the league to not view the situation as a worthy risk. At least that’s what both Lillard’s camp and the Heat are hoping for.
Adding another layer to the potential risk of a non-Heat team is the fact that it’s now being reported by the Miami Herald that there’s a growing belief that Lillard could end up demanding another trade to the Heat if moved to another by the Blazers.
Would Damian Lillard refuse to play for another team than the Miami Heat?
Now this is an interesting layer added to the Lillard saga. While I don’t truly believe that Lillard would not show up or refuse to play for another contender (if traded there), I understand the potential reasoning if it did happen.
Lillard may be at a point in his career where he either wants to play for the Blazers or the Heat. Clearly, he feels the Blazers are headed in a different direction. He understands that and just wants to be respected and given the opportunity to the best landing spot for himself at this point in his career. You can debate whether the Heat is the “perfect” landing spot for him to win a championship heading into this season, but at least he believes that.
For Lillard, it may very well be the Blazers or Heat at this point in his career. And maybe he’s more serious about that idea than many of us are willing to admit.