When Damian Lillard first declared his decision to leave the Portland Trail Blazers, he made it clear that he wanted to move to the Miami Heat.
In fact, his agent suggested that he would be so unhappy with any other team that he wouldn’t perform like the A-list talent he is now.
His agent eventually walked those comments back but Aaron Fentress of The Oregonian wrote on how other front offices are still hesitant to pursue Lillard.
According to Fentress, Lillard’s desire to make it to Miami “would not dissipate” if he was traded to another team.
Therefore, he might play well but he would still be wholly intent on moving onto the Heat as soon as possible.
Damian Lillard, according to NBA sources, would go wherever traded, despite report, but would an NBA team risk giving up major assets for what would be an unhappy point guard owed $216 million?
Seems doubtful. https://t.co/CVAemEw9iy
— Aaron J. Fentress (@AaronJFentress) September 12, 2023
What teams would want to put up so much money and put in so much effort for Lillard if his heart is set on Miami?
According to Fentress, none.
He reports that Lillard will suit up for any team he ends up with, including the Blazers.
He will attend training camp and he will play when the season starts.
“But he won’t be happy about it,” Fentress writes.
If Lillard and his management team made it clear that he would commit to any team, many would be jumping at the chance to get him.
There could be some big teams in the mix for the legendary guard.
But because he will see any team as a layover on his way to Miami, franchises across the NBA are sitting out.
And that just makes the entire situation much more complicated for Portland and Miami.
NEXT: Insider Says Damian Lillard Has Made A Decision About Training Camp
