07 July 2023 , 17:43
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Damian Lillard shared two cryptic tweets on Thursday night amid reports he's trying to force the Portland Trail Blazers to trade him to the Miami Heat. The messages suggest he is unhappy with the coverage of his ongoing saga.
"I'm amazed," he wrote before adding in another post, "At how ppl could know so much and so little at the same time."
Portland have confirmed that Lillard asked for a trade, but they have not made an official statement about the point guard specifically trying to go to Miami.
Still, multiple news outlets have reported that he only wants to play for the Heat, with ESPN claiming his agent told other organisations he would refuse to play for them. And Lillard himself liked a recent tweet about him heading to the Florida coast to team up with Jimmy Butler and Bam Adebayo.
The Trail Blazers are adamant that they will agree to the best available deal, even if it irritates their outgoing superstar. Other teams reportedly in the race to trade for him include the Philadelphia 76ers and Brooklyn Nets.
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"We have been clear that we want Dame here but he notified us today he wants out and he'd prefer to play someplace else," Portland general manager Joe Cronin said in a statement to ESPN. "What has not changed for us is that we're committed to winning, and we are going to do what's best for the team in pursuit of that goal."
Lillard averaged 32.2 points across 58 games last season. He has a strong playoff track record, though his Trail Blazers have missed the postseason the past two campaigns.
The Portland Trail Blazers are unsure they want Tyler Herro, who faces questions about his defence. (Getty Images)The 32-year-old's frustration at Portland's recent drought led him to tell the team of his desire to leave. He had stayed loyal to the franchise through previous tough spells, so he reportedly feels entitled to get his destination of choice.
However, Lillard's approach has upset some fans who appreciate his contributions but want to see the Trail Blazers net a fair trade return. He's noticed the criticism.
"It's in my blood to take the high road," he tweeted on July 2. "I'd love to hear what fans are turning on… have I mislead them? Or anyone? Fill me in."
Miami must convince Portland that likely trade centrepiece Tyler Herro is a good enough main asset in a Lillard deal. The Trail Blazers might disagree that a sixth man with defensive concerns fits the billing of a star-level return.
Herro, 23, averaged 20.1 points, 5.4 rebounds and 4.2 assists in 2022-23. He has become a more efficient shooter every season in the NBA, but he often goes up against bench units and struggles at the other end.
Portland already have a suspect-starting backcourt defensively and may think twice about adding to those woes. And the Nets could offer stronger defensive players for Lillard, with Nic Claxton and Cameron Johnson well-regarded as on-ball pests.
With three months remaining until the new NBA season, the Trail Blazers can patiently await a satisfactory offer. However, Lillard seems eager for the drama to end.