The Portland Trail Blazers might finally be ready to make a move with Damian Lillard.
After months of speculation, false starts, and countless headlines, it sounds like the Blazers are starting to earnestly contemplate trading Lillard away.
Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald, via NBACentral, is reporting that the Blazers “have started to seriously engage in trade discussions with the Miami Heat.”
This comes months after Lillard demanded a trade from the Blazers to the Heat and multiple weeks of no new developments.
After weeks of silence, the Blazers have started to seriously engage in trade discussions with the Miami Heat, per @flasportsbuzz pic.twitter.com/jJbHq6GlRh
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) September 22, 2023
Some people thought it would happen this way.
The Blazers have been very resistant to accept any offer from the Heat because they are demanding a lot in return for Lillard.
But time is running out for the Blazers.
Their training camp is starting in a matter of weeks and the new season is just a month away.
While they could have just sat on Lillard and kept him under contract, they ultimately didn’t want an unhappy star leading their team.
So, they are going to negotiate with the one squad that Lillard wants: the Heat.
Of course, this limits the possibilities, meaning they might not walk away with a deal they are happy with.
At this point, is any deal better than none at all?
It’ll be interesting to see how this all pans out: will the Blazers or Heat end up with the better haul?
There is still the possibility that any negotiations fall apart and Lillard will remain in Portland.
These next few hours and days will be pivotal for the future of Lillard’s career.
NEXT: Reporter Reveals Trail Blazers' Level Of Interest In Zach LaVine
