Weeks after demanding a trade, Damian Lillard is still a member of the Portland Trail Blazers.
The team meant it when they said they weren’t going to rush into any deal unless they were really satisfied with it.
Therefore, Lillard might remain a member of the Blazers when the new season begins.
That could lead to an uncomfortable situation, according to Chris Haynes.
On the “#thisleague UNCUT” podcast, Marc Stein and Haynes spoke about what Lillard remaining in Portland could look like.
“Everybody knows that Dame does want the trade and he wants to be sent to Miami. And when the season starts up again, this becomes a daily topic for the Blazers. This is a daily discussion they have to manage,” Stein said.
“It would be an uncomfortable situation,” Haynes then added.
“Everybody knows that Dame does want the trade & he wants to be sent to Miami. And when the season starts up again, this becomes a daily topic for the Blazers. This is a daily discussion they have to manage”- @TheSteinLine
“It would be an uncomfortable situation”- @ChrisBHaynes pic.twitter.com/8erz15xt8s
— Dru (@dru_star) August 29, 2023
Both men said that the situation, uncomfortable as it may be, likely won’t get as complicated or dramatic as what could happen with James Harden and the Philadelphia 76ers.
Harden has shown in the past that he is willing to make life miserable for his team’s coaches and front office unless he gets traded.
As for Lillard, he will likely stay respectful and will probably play very hard too.
But there is no doubt that every single press conference and news story related to the team will touch upon Lillard’s desire to leave.
It’ll be a dark cloud hanging over Portland for the entire season.
Even if Lillard doesn’t speak to the press much, other players will be asked about it constantly.
Can a team really thrive with that lingering?
The Blazers front office is surely aware of how awkward this could be but they still aren’t budging on their demands.
Portland fans should be prepared for a weird, uncomfortable season.
NEXT: Video Shows Damian Lillard Working On His Boxing Skills
