Damian Lillard turned the NBA world on its head earlier this summer time when he demanded a commerce from the Portland Path Blazers.
Not solely did the 33-year-old need to be moved, although – he solely needed to go to the Miami Warmth. No person else.
The Blazers made their asking worth for Lillard clear, however Pat Riley refused to chew. He solely needed Lillard on his phrases, not theirs.
And thus, a standoff ensued.
Clearly the assumption on Miami’s aspect and in lots of circles across the league was that finally Portland would give in and commerce Lillard to his most well-liked vacation spot – no matter what they received again.
The Blazers had totally different plans. They’re now exploring different potential squads for Lillard, regardless of his desire.
Based on Jake Fischer of Yahoo Sports, the Chicago Bulls and Toronto Raptors are “the 2 potential locations for Lillard mentioned most by league figures.”
The Los Angeles Lakers, who’ve been linked to Lillard prior to now, weren’t talked about as potential suitors this time round.
It’s value noting that the Warmth haven’t had substantive commerce talks with Portland concerning Lillard shortly.
“Whereas a set of NBA personnel anticipate Portland to have interaction Miami earlier than finalizing one thing with one other suitor, the Warmth haven’t factored primarily within the Blazers’ latest dialogue surrounding Lillard,” league sources instructed Fischer.
This coincides with a latest report from Chris Haynes of Bleacher Report, who famous that “the Blazers are refusing to speak with the Warmth.”
ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski has additionally indicated that the Warmth haven’t been part of commerce talks with the Blazers concerning Lillard.
Woj additionally says Miami haven’t been concerned in these talks.
— Sean Highkin (@highkin) September 22, 2023
Clearly that is the NBA.
And within the NBA, usually talking, stars get to go wherever they need to go.
What a Gameday for Notre Dame and Ohio State already. https://t.co/LfLkp8mcNH
— Sport 7 (@game7__) September 23, 2023
However it actually appears like for the time being the Blazers are holding regular of their place.
Will the Warmth’s passive pursuit of Lillard result in him touchdown with both the Bulls or Raptors? A solution by some means will emerge quickly sufficient.
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