(Photo by Steph Chambers/Getty Images)
When it was first announced that Damian Lillard desired to leave the Portland Trail Blazers, the Miami Heat were revealed as the one and only location he wanted to go to.
Since that announcement, Lillard hasn’t been traded to Miami and is still technically a member of the Blazers.
This has many fans asking a big, important question: what gives?
According to Chris Mannix of Sports Illustrated, via Legion Hoops, the Blazers have “encouraged” other front offices to make offers on the legendary point guard.
But, so far, there haven’t been any, according to the SI report.
REPORT: The Blazers have “encouraged” teams to make offers for Damian Lillard.
(via @SIChrisMannix , https://t.co/xVqGkdlGfJ) pic.twitter.com/uMCJeSGdm4
— Legion Hoops (@LegionHoops) July 11, 2023
Due to a number of reasons – such as Lillard’s desire to join Miami and his hefty contract – “a market beyond South Florida has not materialized.”
This is a huge blow to the Blazers because it means that they aren’t getting any offers beyond Miami.
And since Lillard definitely doesn’t want to play in Portland anymore, this leaves the front office stuck working something out with the Heat.
According to Sports Illustrated, the Heat are well aware that no other teams are asking about Lillard.
This means that they know they have the upper hand in the situation.
Last week, it was reported that Lillard’s agent was informing other teams that his client was so devoted to the idea of playing for the Heat that he wouldn’t be happy with any other team.
This has stopped all other franchises from making substantial, realistic offers because they know where Lillard’s heart is at.
Portland’s general manager said that they would wait months upon months if they had to.
They were not going to rush into a deal, he said.
But will they really keep dragging this out if Lillard wants the Heat and no other teams are offering anything the Blazers want?
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