The end of an era of Portland Trail Blazers basketball seems to be drawing near, with more and more indications that the team could part ways with superstar guard Damian Lillard this summer.
Even though Lillard has been incredibly loyal during his time with the franchise, he has finally put his foot down as he made it clear to the organization that he doesn’t want to go through another youth movement in Portland and hopes the team trades the No. 3 overall pick in the 2023 NBA Draft.
Lillard wants the Blazers to go after some veteran talent using the high draft pick to make a deal, but the team seems to have other plans as they don’t seem intent on trading the pick, which may be what ultimately forces the superstar to leave town.
With the draft only days away on June 22, the clock is ticking in Portland, and LeSean McCoy of Fox Sports thinks it’s time for Lillard to force his way to another team via Speak On FS1.
.@CutOnDime25: I would tell Dame to leave.
“The only things guaranteed in life are taxes, death, and Portland’s not winning a championship.” pic.twitter.com/SZqFPrmfXW
— Speak (@SpeakOnFS1) June 20, 2023
Recently, Lillard let it be known that if he were to get traded, he wouldn’t mind playing for the Miami Heat or the Brooklyn Nets, as he is close friends with Bam Adebayo and Mikal Bridges.
Miami heard Lillard’s preference and has been working to put together a trade package to acquire the perennial All-Star, but it remains to be seen whether the Blazers like what the Heat are selling.
The Heat will likely have the better trade package of the two teams as they can add Tyler Herro, which might be intriguing for Portland as they begin their rebuild.
NEXT: Brian Windhorst Says The Blazers Have Made A Decision About No. 3 Pick
