By Anthony Caruso III | Publisher
Portland Trail Blazers superstar Damian Lillard has requested a trade. This has been speculated for some time.
He recently had a meeting with the Trail Blazers, where it was believed that he would be apart of the team for the long term. However, speculation around the league since before the NBA Draft in June suggested this move.
Lillard reportedly does not want to be a part of a rebuilding process. And that’s what the team is doing after selecting Scoot Henderson with the No. 3 overall pick in the NBA Draft.
The teams being linked to Lillard are the Miami Heat, Los Angeles Clippers, and the Philadelphia 76ers. The San Antonio Spurs are being mentioned as a surprise team.
Lillard does not have a no trade clause like Bradley Beal had before his trade to the Phoenix Suns. This, Lillard cannot block any trade.
The Clippers are also being mentioned as a potential suitor for James Harden, who recently requested a trade from the Philadelphia 76ers. Lawrence Frank would have to decide to pursue Lillard, Harden or keep the team in tact to make other moves.
Lillard’s preferred destination is the Heat. If he went there, he would create a “Big 3” with Jimmy Butler and Bam Adebayo.
The 32-year-old — who will be 33-years-old on July 15th — has been with the Trail Blazers since 2012. He was their sixth overall pick in the 2012 NBA Draft.
Lillard’s name has been mentioned in trade rumors in the past. However, he has remained true to the team.
Yet, the time has come for the sides to move on as it was for the Wizards to move on from Beal.
This past season, he appeared in 58 games. He made 58 starts.
Lillard had a career-high 32.2 points per game. He also averaged 4.8 rebounds, 7.3 assists, 0.9 steals, and 0.3 blocks per game.
Whoever gets Lillard is getting a 7-time All-Star, who is still in his prime. And with a trade, he may be rejuvenated.
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