Both Damian Lillard and James Harden shook up the NBA when they demanded trades from the Portland Trail Blazers and Philadelphia 76ers, respectively.
Yet, they are still with those teams and it seems more likely that they won’t be traded away before the offseason ends.
So, what does that mean for training camp and beyond?
On the “#thisleague UNCUT” podcast, Chris Haynes opened up about how he sees things happening with Lillard and Harden at training camp.
“I think Dame, if he’s still with the Blazers, I think Dame shows up to camp and I think he handles things professionally. And I think he avoids a lot of questions,” Haynes said.
“Harden, I’m not sure. I’m not sure if he’s gonna avoid questions. I’m not even sure if he’s gonna show up,” Haynes then added with a laugh.
“I think Dame, if he’s still w/ the Blazers, I think Dame shows up to camp & I think he handles things professionally. And I think he avoids a lot of questions. Harden I’m not sure. I’m not sure if he’s gonna avoid questions. I’m not even sure if he’s gonna show up” @ChrisBHaynes pic.twitter.com/RehXVScmR5
— Dru (@dru_star) August 29, 2023
There is every reason to believe that Haynes is right: Lillard will probably handle the situation professionally, even if he isn’t entirely happy to be there.
Throughout his career, he has shown deep loyalty to the Blazers.
In a recent interview, he even said he still has great love for the organization, even though he is ready to move on.
As for Harden, inside reports have said that he is ready to make things messier between him and the 76ers.
Some have speculated that he could use training camp as an opportunity to create more drama and make life even harder for Sixers president Daryl Morey.
Harden has already publicly spoken out about Morey and there is little doubt he’d do it again.
No matter how Lillard and Harden act at training camp, they don’t have the power to force a trade.
Their future and their fate in the league are all controlled by their teams’ management.
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