(Photo by Steph Chambers/Getty Images)
The NBA offseason has been full of drama and player mobility.
But that seems to be a common occurrence in the league nowadays.
One player who many are waiting to see moved is Damian Lillard.
The Portland Trail Blazers star requested a trade earlier in the offseason, but everything has been quiet since.
It is still expected that Lillard will get traded before the NBA season begins.
The one team he has said he wants to play for is the Miami Heat.
But, Miami has not yet been willing to reach the asking price the Trail Blazers have set forth.
Some fans are upset that Lillard is asking for a trade and only wants to go to Miami.
But, Stephen A. Smith believes Lillard has earned the right to say where he wants to play.
A recent clip from “First Take” was shared on Twitter, with Smith saying: “It’s not a crime. He’s earned the right.”
“I respectfully want to submit to folks in the industry who have been critical of Dame, shut the hell up. He gave Portland 11yrs. People acting like Dame is doing something wrong by telling you literally where he wants to go. It’s not a crime. He’s earned the right”@stephenasmith pic.twitter.com/bZVtrtshyk
— Dru (@dru_star) July 24, 2023
It would be shocking if the Lillard trade is not completed by the time NBA training camps come around.
He already said he wants to leave Portland and he seems adamant on that.
While the Heat remain the overwhelming favorite, it will be interesting to see if any other team can land Lillard.
He can be the missing piece for a team like the Philadelphia 76ers who have struggled to get over the hump.
Also, a team like the Milwaukee Bucks has been linked to Lillard.
It will certainly be interesting to see the Lillard saga unfold over the next few months.
The post Stephen A. Smith Defends Damian Lillard Wanting To Join The Heat appeared first on The Cold Wire.