The situation between Damian Lillard and the Portland Trail Blazers could get ugly.
Lillard has finally requested a trade, adding that he would like to be sent to the Miami Heat.
That has fueled an ongoing debate about whether the Blazers should do right by him or ignore his wishes and do what’s best for the organization.
Notably, NBA analyst Chris Broussard seems to think the latter, as he believes the Blazers don’t owe Lillard anything and shouldn’t even bother listening to what he wants unless the Heat are able to put together the best trade offer for him.
.@Chris_Broussard doesn't think the Trail Blazers owe Dame a trade to his preferred destination:
"They paid him $450 million dollars. What they owe is the fans, the ownership, and Chauncey Billups. They need to get the best deal they can." pic.twitter.com/RrgkrwQAX0
— First Things First (@FTFonFS1) July 3, 2023
He says no employer is indebted to its employee, citing his own experience with ESPN before joining FS1.
Broussard believes the Blazers only owe it to their fans, the ownership, and even coach Chauncey Billups, citing that he hopes things don’t get ugly throughout the course of the negotiations.
That’s fair, and it’s undeniable that the NBA is a business, which is why any team should make decisions accordingly to what’s best for them and their future.
Nonetheless, the player empowerment era has pretty much tied their hands in these kinds of situations.
Lillard could also get his hands dirty and sink his trade value by going on the record to claim he’s not interested in playing for any other team, limiting the Blazers’ chances of getting good value in return for his services.
Truth be told, it would be better off for all parties involved to work together and cooperate before things get out of hand.
NEXT: 4 Teams Have Reportedly Inquired About A Damian Lillard Trade
