Blazers won't honor Lillard's wish to be traded to Miami. Will look for best deal

[1987_Lakers]

The Trail Blazers do not plan to cooperate with Damian Lillard on his trade request to the Heat, per
@wojespn


I still think he gets traded to Miami, but can you imagine if he doesn't? Lillard will look foolish for being "loyal" for all those years.

[tpols]

That's some snake shit. Dame made them for the past decade yet they won't honor his wishes on the way out? Karma gone hit them.

[Kblaze8855]

I don’t know if Karma bothers with just…getting the most you can from a trade instead of getting less because an employee doesn’t wanna work for you anymore. I don’t think failing to build a champion is a moral failing they owe a guy for.

[Xiao Yao You]

That's some snake shit. Dame made them for the past decade yet they won't honor his wishes on the way out? Karma gone hit them.

give up a huge haul so a guy making 45 mill can get his way? I can see it if Miami can make a competitive offer but if their offer isn't even close **** him!

[Jimmy Rustler]

If they don't say they'll look for the best deal, then they lose all negotiating leverage. This is a no brainer on the part of the Blazers.

[And1AllDay]

If they don't say they'll look for the best deal, then they lose all negotiating leverage. This is a no brainer on the part of the Blazers.

if someone wants dame they will trade a lot for him end of story

[tpols]

I don’t know if Karma bothers with just…getting the most you can from a trade instead of getting less because an employee doesn’t wanna work for you anymore. I don’t think failing to build a champion is a moral failing they owe a guy for.


I mean... he's more than just a regular employee. He was the cornerstone to their whole playoff run for a decade. They're gonna be trash anyway... may as well respect arguably one of the best players in your franchises history's last wishes.

[tpols]

I don’t know if Karma bothers with just…getting the most you can from a trade instead of getting less because an employee doesn’t wanna work for you anymore. I don’t think failing to build a champion is a moral failing they owe a guy for.

Yea karma... on some Greg oden and Sam bowie shit. Portland has been getting iced by it for decades. Dame is legit and doesn't deserve to be disrespected.

[bison]

It would be a b*tch move from Portland if they give in to dame and send him to Miami. I don’t think heat have what blazers want. Apparently heat arent willing to part with Caleb Martin. No one in Portland wants to build around Tyler Herro

[jayfan]

That's some snake shit. Dame made them for the past decade yet they won't honor his wishes on the way out? Karma gone hit them.


Snake shit? F that. He wants to be traded, they'll try to accommodate him. But the team has ZERO obligation to trade him to a particular team of his choosing.

Dame is so overrated at this point it's laughable. He made them? What exactly did he make? An 0-4 sweep to the Pelicans on '18? How many times has he been swept out of the playoffs? 3? 4?
And this isn't the Wizards we're talking about. Prior to the last couple seasons, Portland fielded very competitive teams. Dame couldn't get it done. He's not a winning player of team basketball.


.

[tpols]

Snake shit? F that. He wants to be traded, they'll try to accommodate him. But the team has ZERO obligation to trade him to a particular team of his choosing.

Dame is so overrated at this point it's laughable. He made them? What exactly did he make? An 0-4 sweep to the Pelicans on '18? How many times has he been swept out of the playoffs? 3? 4?
And this isn't the Wizards we're talking about. Prior to the last couple seasons, Portland fielded very competitive teams. Dame couldn't get it done. He's not a winning player of team basketball.


.

He absolutely is a winning player. Never had elite help though. In a league where superstars collude how could you expect him to win rings when his best teammate was cj McCollum? Whose a pretty good player but cmon... we have superstars teaming up here and he had to face dynasties like the Warriors. Jordan or Lebron wouldn't have won with CJ. Nobody would've won with his help.

[PP34Deuce]

Just my thoughts...

Dame created the narrative of no help. Portland has had talent to at least get out the first round.

Dame signed that mega deal because he wanted his money. A year after signing it... he now requests a trade knowing the team was young and rebuilding.

Dame plays for himself and while he is available to play..he hasn't demonstrated playing even average defense in 5 years. Steph actually is sound defensively.

He's a top 5 scoring talent that is a more pleasant kyrie irving but has enough holes elsewhere that he's not just a piece you trade the farm for.

Dame also wasn't recruited 4 5 star out of high school. He was a late bloomer and even had the Divo attitude back then with transferring to multiple schools. He's a great marketer but if you are taking about a franchise leader that will deal with tough questions and rally a team..historically that's not dame lillard.

[Real Men Wear Green]

Yea karma... on some Greg oden and Sam bowie shit. Portland has been getting iced by it for decades. Dame is legit and doesn't deserve to be disrespected.

That's not how karma works. Bad karma would be having misfortune happen as punishment for something you did before the misfortune. So bowie and Oden have no relevance here. Deciding not to trade a superstar for Tyler Herro isn't being evil its doing smart business. And it's what every team in the league would do. Which organization is going to trade a top 2 player at his position for a guy that can maybe give you 20 points and nothing else?

[L.Kizzle]

He absolutely is a winning player. Never had elite help though. In a league where superstars collude how could you expect him to win rings when his best teammate was cj McCollum? Whose a pretty good player but cmon... we have superstars teaming up here and he had to face dynasties like the Warriors. Jordan or Lebron wouldn't have won with CJ. Nobody would've won with his help.
LaMarcus Aldridge was his best teammate. He's a borderline HoF'er....

[tpols]

That's not how karma works. Bad karma would be having misfortune happen as punishment for something you did before the misfortune. So bowie and Oden have no relevance here. Deciding not to trade a superstar for Tyler Herro isn't being evil its doing smart business. And it's what every team in the league would do. Which organization is going to trade a top 2 player at his position for a guy that can maybe give you 20 points and nothing else?

I'm not saying theyre evil and if Miami is giving them a shit deal I guess denying it is warranted. Hopefully he goes somewhere competitive though.

[GOBB]

This is what Sam Hinkie spoke on when building a contender. You need to get lucky by drafting a superstar player that’s normally (not always) located at the top of drafts. Guys like Giannis and Jokic are the exception not the norm. Building a title contender is not easy because you need that one piece for starters. And those are found at the top of a draft which means you need to stink to land one. Otherwise you bank on great scouting drafting later and/or undrafted/unwanted players you can develop into “help”. Trading is difficult because you need assets to do so first. Free agency is tricky becuase marquee talents, those needle pushers tend to have a select few teams they want to play for. Portland, Milw, Utah, Denver to name a few just ain’t it

So what did Portland do wrong when attempting to build a team around Dame who isn’t a superstar in the sense of a Giannis, Jokic, Bron (he may be exiting this), Embiid? Dame is fun to watch scoring but outside of that? I look at him like I do Kyrie Irving, Paul George, Brad Beal, Devin Booker. If they are your “franchise” players then your franchise will need more help. And to get help in the NBA ain’t easy. That’s why teams overpay guys they shouldn’t.

I don’t think Portland didn’t attempt to try. Heck honestly lookin at milw what did they do to build around Giannis? Trade for the vet Jrue holiday? When you look at that franchise and how they became a title contender. It started with Giannis emergence. Nothing ground breaking was done in the draft, free agency or trades (Jrue yea). It’s not easy to build a title contender. Certain times it is like La. Becuase players either sign or want to be traded there. But overall? It’s tough.

[bison]

Miami doesn’t have any significant advantage if any in terms of young talent, draft picks and cap space to offer Portland. This trade request may very well backfire on Lillard. I’ll laugh my ass off if he ends up in Orlando or some shit.

[Wally450]

The Danny Ainge Pat Riley rivalry continues…

[coin24]

Fu.ck dame. He signed the big contract, chose to stay with a loser team now he wants to cry about it?

Tough shit, I hope they trade him to another bottom feeder. He routinely flamed out in the playoffs..

[iamgine]

Well yeah why would they be loyal to Dame? Blazers should be loyal to the fans by getting the best deal.

[John8204]

I don’t know if Karma bothers with just…getting the most you can from a trade instead of getting less because an employee doesn’t wanna work for you anymore. I don’t think failing to build a champion is a moral failing they owe a guy for.

Player's aren't just employees though...they are also customers and producers. The owners (who never lose money and therefore take no risk) are entitled to spend X amount of dollars. When your best producer wants a diivorce from the team all the other players are watching and seeing what you do. Are you going to do what's in your best interest and leave the player holding the bag or are you going to support the person who produced for you for years.

As I've said all year Lowry/Robinson is a good deal for teams looking to unload a Max deal because Duncan Robinson is a starter on a good contract and Lowry is a Vet PG who will either work for you or you can release and clear up cap space.

[PP34Deuce]

Dames incredible scoring and all NBA paint a picture like he's a franchise guy. On a contending team he is a 1b or kyrie paul George type guy

[Real Men Wear Green]

Maybe I'm just a Paul George hate I don't know but the idea of him matching Lillaird offensively is unimaginable especially at this stage of his career. He's a good 2-way player. That's nice but he is going to miss a third of the season and is not a playoff performer. 30 ppg clutch Dame is infinitely preferable. Nowhere near the same level.

[Real Men Wear Green]

Player's aren't just employees though...they are also customers and producers. The owners (who never lose money and therefore take no risk) are entitled to spend X amount of dollars. When your best producer wants a diivorce from the team all the other players are watching and seeing what you do. Are you going to do what's in your best interest and leave the player holding the bag or are you going to support the person who produced for you for years.

As I've said all year Lowry/Robinson is a good deal for teams looking to unload a Max deal because Duncan Robinson is a starter on a good contract and Lowry is a Vet PG who will either work for you or you can release and clear up cap space.
An employee is a producer. Them being a customer is nice but buying a jersey doesn't entitle you to anything. Lillaird has been well-compensated for his time. If it's any consolation whoever trades for him will be doing it thinking that his addition makes them a contender. They could be wrong but that's why you bring in a 32 year old superstar that requested a trade. You don't bring him in so that he can be just as unsatisfied with your team as he was with his last team. So the trade will happen just it might be for Harden and some says or something like that. Miami isn't even out of the question they just may have to offer Bam which they likely won't want to do. But Portland has a responsibility to themselves to not get hosed.

[Xiao Yao You]

https://www.slcdunk.com/2023/7/2/23781418/the-jazz-were-built-for-damian-lillard

just signed their firsts so they won't be in deal I guess

[Xiao Yao You]

Chris Haynes on Damian Lillard: “The Clippers reached out to Portland and tried to see if there’s a way that they can get into that sweepstakes.” … “Dame requested the trade and then all of a sudden he became the top target and kind of… I won’t say put a hold on the league, but it did cause teams to pause: ‘OK hold on, let’s wait on what we had planned, let’s look to see if we got a shot. The Clippers were one of those teams who did that, the Minnesota Timberwolves, New Orleans Pelicans, Boston Celtics… (https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/thisleague-uncut-trade-szn/id1668189953?i=1000619090952) yeah those are the teams that off the top of my head, and I’m pretty sure there were more, those were the teams off the top of my head that I know called out to reach out to see what it would take (to trade for Damian Lillard).”

– via Apple Podcasts (https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/thisleague-uncut-trade-szn/id1668189953?i=1000619090952)




Dame, Edwards and Gobert. I'd guess Towns would be dealt. Portland might like that. They want to remain competitive. Have lots of guards. Or Zion or Ingram? Definitely teams with a lot more to offer than the Heat

[Wardell Curry]

He's not going to push some team to the Finals or push some team to a championship unless some team is able to straight up steal him. And why would Portland allow that?

And it's always the same age old dilemma. Take the money or take the ring. The money is guaranteed and the ring never is. What to do, what to do.

[Manny98]

It's looking like Lillard to the Heat and Herro to Brooklyn in a three team trade

A like the idea of a

Ben
Herro
Bridges
Cam
Clax


Starting 5 so I hope we don't trade Ben to get Herro, that team can do some serious damage in the East if Ben can get back to his all star form

Philly might make a move as well but Lillard has clearly indicated he wants Miami

[Manny98]

He's not going to push some team to the Finals or push some team to a championship unless some team is able to straight up steal him. And why would Portland allow that?

And it's always the same age old dilemma. Take the money or take the ring. The money is guaranteed and the ring never is. What to do, what to do.

The Heat were a finals team without Lillard

You think adding a player of Lillard's caliber wouldn't make them favorites to win it all?

[Xiao Yao You]

It's looking like Lillard to the Heat and Herro to Brooklyn in a three team trade

A like the idea of a

Ben
Herro
Bridges
Cam
Clax


Starting 5 so I hope we don't trade Ben to get Herro, that team can do some serious damage in the East if Ben can get back to his all star form

Philly might make a move as well but Lillard has clearly indicated he wants Miami

Ben :roll:

[Xiao Yao You]

The Heat were a finals team without Lillard

You think adding a player of Lillard's caliber wouldn't make them favorites to win it all?

not if the team is gutted which they've already lost some key players

[Real Men Wear Green]

It's looking like Lillard to the Heat and Herro to Brooklyn in a three team trade

A like the idea of a

Ben
Herro
Bridges
Cam
Clax


Starting 5 so I hope we don't trade Ben to get Herro, that team can do some serious damage in the East if Ben can get back to his all star form

Philly might make a move as well but Lillard has clearly indicated he wants Miami

5 seconds after been Simmons is traded you will be calling him the worst player in sports. You are so full of shit that is ridiculous. If you tried to trade Simmons for Herro straight up Riley would have Haslem kick your ass.

[Manny98]

5 seconds after been Simmons is traded you will be calling him the worst player in sports. You are so full of shit that is ridiculous. If you tried to trade Simmons for Herro straight up Riley would have Haslem kick your ass.
No I wouldn't because I still believe Simmons can be a all star caliber player when healthy. And I never said anything about Simmons for Herro straight up

[Manny98]

Ben :roll:

What is funny?

Ben is still only 26 and will be 100% next season, is it so ridiculous to think he might return to his all star self next year?

[Xiao Yao You]

What is funny?

Ben is still only 26 and will be 100% next season, is it so ridiculous to think he might return to his all star self next year?

you're not to familiar with back injuries I take it. He will never be 100% and that isn't even considering his weak psyche

[Manny98]

you're not to familiar with back injuries I take it. He will never be 100% and that isn't even considering his weak psyche

His surgery was a success and is being taken care of by the best doctors and physio's on the planet

He will be 100%

[Xiao Yao You]

His surgery was a success and is being taken care of by the best doctors and physio's on the planet

He will be 100%

not with herniated discs. Those days are gone. Even if he was 100% physically he obviously has a lot bigger issues

[Manny98]

not with herniated discs. Those days are gone. Even if he was 100% physically he obviously has a lot bigger issues
Are you his doctor?

[Wardell Curry]

The Heat were a finals team without Lillard

You think adding a player of Lillard's caliber wouldn't make them favorites to win it all?


And how exactly are the Heat going to get Lillard for free?

[Xiao Yao You]

Are you his doctor?

nope but I have at least two herniated discs. It will always be an issue. I'd be more concerned about what his therapist says than his doctor

[Axe]

Lillard > toody

[Xiao Yao You]

And how exactly are the Heat going to get Lillard for free?

won't be free. They have Herro if they can get a 3rd team to take him. Can they compete with other offers? Says he'd be a Sixer right now if they'd give up Maxey

[Xiao Yao You]

Lillard > toody

coming from someone obsessed with scoring :roll:

[Axe]

Meltdown.

[Xiao Yao You]

Meltdown.

bot

[Real Men Wear Green]

No I wouldn't because I still believe Simmons can be a all star caliber player when healthy. And I never said anything about Simmons for Herro straight up

It could be Simmons for a ham sandwich. All he is right now is filler for a trade that requires a bloated salary to make the numbers work. It won't be an asset until 2025 and then only because it's expiring. I was surprised to learn he managed to play 42 games last year (I thought it was like, 6) but was not surprised to learn he averaged 7 points 6 rewound and 6 assists. Was one of the main reasons Durant wanted to get traded. When the Nets inevitably move on you will be talking up his replacement like they're a future mvp and telling everyone Simmons is shit. And everyone can see it coming.

[Real Men Wear Green]

Lillard > toody

While true this is the kind of obvious thing that shouldn't be stayed. It's like comparing Steph Curry to Luc Longley. None is taking Longley.

[Xiao Yao You]

Evan Sidery: The Trail Blazers are “not impressed” with the Heat’s trade offer for Damian Lillard, which could lead to a deal elsewhere now, per @wojespn: – While Damian Lillard prefers Miami, Portland needs “maximum value” in any trade (https://*********.com/social/). – Miami needs at minimum a third team to take on Tyler Herro’s contract. Blazers have no interest in Herro. – Portland will now take their time to find better offers elsewhere to receive the best package for Lillard.



but karma!

[Kblaze8855]

Dame, Edwards and Gobert. I'd guess Towns would be dealt. Portland might like that. They want to remain competitive. Have lots of guards. Or Zion or Ingram? Definitely teams with a lot more to offer than the Heat

It was reported Minny won’t include KAT which is what Portland wants and obviously Ant wouldn’t be offered either. Had to be Gobert as the centerpiece they weren’t interested in.