Analyst Notes 76ers’ Mindset About Damian Lillard

(Photo by Carmen Mandato/Getty Images)

Damian Lillard may want to prepare to wear his Portland Trail Blazers jersey again.

After months of rumors, speculation, and attempts, the Blazers seem no closer to sending him away to the Miami Heat, or any team.

With training camp and the new season racing closer, Lillard might be stuck in Portland.

NBA insider Bobby Marks gave insight into another of Portland’s limited options, speaking about the chances of him going to the Philadelphia 76ers.

“The only way Portland engages Philadelphia in trade talks is if Maxey is involved, but Philadelphia has shown no inclination to move its young guard,” Marks said, according to NBACentral.

“The only way Portland engages Philadelphia in trade talks is if Maxey is involved, but Philadelphia has shown no inclination to move its young guard.”

– @BobbyMarks42 pic.twitter.com/oCkpLvfaxs

— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) September 14, 2023

You can’t blame the 76ers for wanting to hold onto Maxey.

Over his first three seasons, the guard has gotten better and has become an important part of the team’s success as well as its overall chemistry.

In 2022-23, he averaged 20.3 points, 2.9 rebounds, and 3.5 assists per game.

Under normal circumstances, the Sixers might actually contemplate sending Maxey to Portland in exchange for Lillard.

But these aren’t normal circumstances.

Because Lillard has made it crystal clear that he only wants to play for the Heat, other teams are not willing to pony up big names or valuable trade assets.

That is because they are concerned Lillard would be unhappy and ready to run to Miami at the first chance he got.

No team wants to commit to a player not committed to them.

There are very few options left for the Blazers: they can accept what the Heat offer, make peace with less from another team, or sit with Lillard.

They will need to decide very soon.

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