It has been two months since NBA star Damian Lillard demanded to be traded, but there has seemingly been little to no movement, if any. That still appears to be the case, but NBA Insider Shams Charania recently provided a surprising update that narrows down the teams that Dame could play for next season.
With training camp starting in three weeks, time is running out for a trade to happen before then, and, according to Shams, Dame would only report to the Portland Trail Blazers and Miami Heat’s camps.
That might not come as a surprise, but Shams also indicates that he wouldn’t report to any other team’s training camp if they traded for him between now and then.
NBA Rumors: The Damian Lillard sweepstakes have been narrowed down to just two teams.
If Dame would really only report to the Blazers’ and Heat’s training camps, then it all but eliminates fringe teams such as the Toronto Raptors, Brooklyn Nets, and Boston Celtics from making a trade for Dame. Of course, any one of those franchises could try to call his bluff, especially after the NBA sent a stern warning to him and his agent to prevent them from discouraging other teams from trading for him.
Without another team to add pressure to the Heat, they know they are very likely to get the player they have been aggressively pursuing. Portland could try to draw things out by threatening to keep him to start the season, especially with Miami’s roster still very much under renovation. That might be enough to scare them into giving up more assets, though Dame could also try to apply more internal pressure by being more vocal about not wanting to be Portland.
Ultimately, with four years remaining on his contract, the Blazers are under no obligation to trade him before they’re ready. Additionally, with just three weeks before training camp, the Heat has a deadline to acquire Dame by or risk entering next season with a thin roster. Stay tuned!
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Author: Cal Durrett
September 12, 2023 | 8:00 am
