With each passing day, discussions involving a potential Damian Lillard trade seem to be intensifying. From the fans to the media to even former players, everyone seems to have their own opinion on the ongoing situation and how it could potentially play out in the near future.
Since a few fans might not be aware of what is going on, the Blazers star has recently requested a trade from the Portland Trail Blazers and has made it clear that he wants to take his talents to the Miami Heat. That would most certainly make them a championship-level contender and one of the favorites to make it out of the Eastern Conference once again.
Several reports were soon released indicating that Dame was unwilling to join any other team except the Miami Heat. Although fans were initially supportive of Lillard’s decision, they seemed to backtrack after observing his stubborn stance on joining the Heat.
Tracy McGrady is a former NBA star and one who is well-versed in the dynamics between a star player and his franchise. He recently weighed in on whether Dame has the right to pick his destination. Let us take a closer look at Tmac’s stance on this subject.
Tracy McGrady opines that Damian Lillard should choose his trade destination
Being a player who has shifted teams multiple times throughout his NBA career might be biasing Tmac in this scenario. However, it is also fully possible that he truly feels Lillard has a right to choose which team he wants to go to. While discussing the issue with Patrick Beverly, here is what Tmac had to say on Lillard demanding to be traded to the Miami Heat.
“I think certain players should have that luxury, I do and I think Dame should be one of those players to have that luxury to point where he wants to go. Now he has to understand Now you Dame Dolla bro….”
Although McGrady seemed to be supporting Lillard, he ended up taking a somewhat balanced stance by also explaining the Blazers’ perspective on this situation.
“Seems like Dame’s in a Miami or bust mindset. Do you think players should be able to dictate specially what team they go to?”
“I think certain players should have that luxury—& I think Dame should be one of those players to have that luxury to point where he wants to go”- T-Mac pic.twitter.com/5VHYVcssyt
— Dru (@dru_star) July 27, 2023
“If I’m Portland I’m not about to trade you to a team and not really receive any great assets back to help us stay a competitive basketball club. I just don’t want some first-round or second-round picks back and don’t get no real talent back that can help me win now I don’t want that. If I’m trading Dame back I want great assets, pieces that can help us stay a contending team.”
The Blazers franchise is in a hard spot and must decide between giving their loyal player his final wish and choosing what is best for a young and untested team. We look forward to seeing how this situation will unfold in the coming months.