The waiting game continues for the Miami Heat, with the Portland Trail Blazers seemingly unwilling to budge when it comes to trading superstar guard Damian Lillard to the reigning Eastern Conference champions.
All indications point to the Blazers continuing to do their due diligence as they gauge interest in Lillard from teams around the league, but the Heat remain adamant about wanting to bring in the veteran to join Jimmy Butler and Bam Adebayo in Miami.
Recently, former NBA star Tracy McGrady made an appearance on “The Herd with Colin Cowherd” and was asked about the Lillard situation and the perennial All-Star demanding to be traded to the Heat.
Although some former players and pundits have scoffed at Lillard’s trade demand, McGrady respects the move as he believes the 33-year-old guard has paid his dues and that Portland should appreciate that, considering all he has done for the franchise.
“You have an issue w/ Dame saying Miami or nothing” @jasonrmcintyre
“No. He’s done everything he possibly can to win in Portland. He’s given them everything. He wants to be a really huge part of why he wins the championship. He sees that in Miami. I have no issues w/ that” T-Mac pic.twitter.com/XnOr3KceQt
— Dru (@dru_star) July 26, 2023
Even though McGrady is on Lillard’s side, it remains to be seen whether the Blazers will ultimately trade him to the Heat and give him what he wants after over a decade of service in Portland.
Clearly, the team is in no hurry to get a deal done, meaning this process could go on for quite some time with no telling what teams may emerge as potential landing spots for Lillard in the months ahead.
The Utah Jazz, New Orleans Pelicans, and Brooklyn Nets have all been mentioned as potential destinations, but only time will tell if they become realistic destinations throughout the offseason.
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