After years of working so well together, the Portland Trail Blazers and Damian Lillard definitely do not see eye-to-eye.
Lillard wants out of Portland and allegedly hopes to move directly to the Miami Heat.
As for the Blazers front office, they do not want to make any move unless it’s one that helps them push forward in a post-Lillard world.
Many people are debating who is wrong in this situation.
NBA analyst Keith Smith sides with the Blazers over Lillard but believes both are right in their own ways.
On Twitter, Smith said: “At the end of the day, Portland should take the best deal for them. They are under no obligation to send Dame to Miami and Miami only.”
He then added that Lillard is “fine to push for Miami and Miami only,” but warned that he “may not get it though.”
He concluded by saying: “Making this a fight about morality is silly. It’s a basketball trade.”
At the end of the day, Portland should take the best deal for them. They are under no obligation to send Dame to Miami and Miami only.
And Dame is fine to push for Miami and Miami only. May not get it though.
Making this a fight about morality is silly. It’s a basketball trade.
— Keith Smith (@KeithSmithNBA) July 6, 2023
Smith is right: this is a business transaction and many people are forgetting that in the heat of the moment.
Both the Blazers and Lillard have two distinct goals.
The Blazers want to receive the most in exchange for Lillard and his talents.
And Lillard wants to play with a team he is happy about and one he thinks he can find great success with.
Neither side is willing to budge – at least right now – so things are at a bit of a standstill.
Some people say that the Blazers are being unreasonable because of how loyal Lillard has been over the years.
And others are stating that Lillard isn’t being fair because he is so laser-focused on only the Heat.
But according to Smith, both sides are entitled to fight for what they want.
However, the Blazers have a better chance of getting what they desire and ultimately have the upper hand.
Neither side is moving right now.
Eventually, they will – we just don’t know when.
NEXT: Video Shows The Future Of The Trail Blazers Working Together
