Both James Harden and Damian Lillard, two of the NBA’s best point guards, asked to be traded during the offseason of 2023. There has been no progress in these cases despite the passing of several months. The continuing dispute was just ratcheted up a notch by Harden’s inflammatory comments in China.
There is still a lot of mystery about where Damian Lillard will play next NBA season. While James Harden has taken his anger out on Daryl Morey and the Philadelphia 76ers, Damian Lillard has kept relatively quiet about his position. The ever-changing trade scenarios have captured the attention of basketball fans everywhere.
Damian Lillard eyes Heat in exclusive trade request
The Miami Heat were heavily linked to Damian Lillard in the days leading up to the NBA Draft, so his apparent preference for them is not surprising. It was clear that Lillard wanted to be traded or acquire win-now assets as the Trail Blazers debated the No. 3 overall pick. The pick of Scoot Henderson by the Trail Blazers was the initial spark that led to Lillard requesting a trade.
The Heat are a strong team, but they aren’t the only ones in the running. The Clippers and 76ers were named by Adrian Wojnarowski as potential suitors, while the Nets were called “leading suitors” by Charania. Lillard hasn’t got a no-trade clause, but after all these years with the Trail Blazers, they might give him one anyway. Irresistible offers from other teams can be avoided if the Heat can come up with a proposition that is enticing enough.
If the Heat were to add Lillard to their roster, they would have one of the best Big 3s in basketball with Jimmy Butler and Bam Adebayo. The Heat could quickly re-establish themselves as a title contender if they were to add Lillard to their roster.
Lillard keeps quiet on Blazers amid trade talk
James Harden has a long history of stirring up trouble, and his recent words in China only served to further cement his notorious reputation. Harden’s powerful message was heard and understood, despite the disruption they caused. Damian Lillard, on the other hand, was able to get his point over without stirring up any trouble.
— Brady Hawk (@BradyHawk305) August 24, 2023
The seven-time All-Star was recently asked about his potential trade in an interview. Lillard, in contrast to Harden, opted to say nothing. In regards to the Blazers, he said, “I’m not gonna speak on the Blazers. There’s a lot of love and respect but….I won’t speak on the Blazers,” he said. When asked about his trade request to the Miami Heat, Lillard stated, “I can say that there was and I would just prefer not to speak on the Trail Blazers.”
Lillard chose to maintain a low profile despite the buzz around rumors of a possible trade involving him as he was recently given a warning by the league to not discuss hi trade situation publicly.
Let us know in the comments, which team do you want Damian Lillard to play for?
