Getty Image / Rich Schultz
After being extremely loyal to the Portland Trail Blazers, Damian Lillard requested a trade at the beginning of the free agency window.
The franchise has failed to build around him and considering he’s nearing the end of his career, the superstar point guard is ready to move on.
However, he’s insisting on only wanting to play for the Miami Heat, putting the Trail Blazers in a tough spot.
Even so, Lillard does not have a no-trade clause, so technically, Portland can send him to whichever team offers the best package.
But things took an ugly turn on Thursday after Damian Lillard’s agent sent a warning shot to the other 28 teams in the league.
According to Adrian Wojnarowski, Lillard’s agent is telling other teams that if they trade for the superstar point guard they will be “trading for an unhappy player.”
Damian Lillard's agent Aaron Goodwin has been calling prospective trade partners and "warning against" trading for Dame, per @wojespn
Goodwin has been "telling organizations outside of Miami that trading for Lillard is trading for an unhappy player" pic.twitter.com/HROXeFdDBP
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) July 6, 2023
Essentially, Damian Lillard is making it known that he won’t play for any other team but the Heat.
It’s sad to see the relationship between Lillard and the Trail Blazers turn into such an ugly divorce.
This latest warning essentially pigeon holes Portland. If you’re one of the other 28 teams in the league, why even bother making an offer if you know Damian Lillard will just ask to be traded again?
On the other hand, it makes sense why Lillard wants to play in Miami. They just made a wild run to the NBA Finals and could really use his talents on the roster.
Teaming up with Jimmy Butler and Bam Adebayo gives him the best chances to win a ring. We’ve also seen guys like Kevin Durant and James Harden force themselves to the team they want to play for without a no-trade clause as well.
So, it’s not out of the realm for a player like Lillard to demand to be traded to one specific team.
But it’s hard to imagine the Trail Blazers like any package the Heat offer. So, it’s possible we see a third or fourth team join the mix.
But a Damian Lillard trade is not going to happen soon, as Portland must do its best to receive the most compensation possible.