It has been well over a month since Damian Lillard called it quits on the Portland Trail Blazers. There are several issues to take note of while going into this particular scenario. However, the most important issue is that the Blazers have not realized how valuable he is on the court. The point guard has proven to be one of the best of all time in his position. And there is still some time left on the clock before he retires.
“The last year and some change of my life overall, not just sports, it’s been a tough time, but right now I’m in a strong place”
Damian Lillard at his Formula Zero Camp last week.
“A lot of my loved ones are here, pouring into other people. That brings me joy. That lifts me up” pic.twitter.com/De9iuu05GC
— Orlando Sanchez (@orlandokgw) August 21, 2023
The 7x All-Star made it clear that he wants to be traded to the Miami Heat. Lillard has a great relationship with Heat center Bam Adebayo, and there has to be a mutual connection with Jimmy Butler as well. Joining the Heat would immediately bring Lillard to a point where he’d be competing for the title. Miami has had immense playoff success over the last four years making two NBA Finals appearances in the mix.
To say Damian Lillard would merely boost the Heat’s chances of winning a title is an understatement. His presence on the team could very well close out the discussion of who will win the title next season. Damian averaged a whopping 32.2 points per game on 46.3% shooting from the field, 37.1% from deep, and 91.4% from the foul line. This happened to be his best stat line in 11 seasons. This is also something that confuses fans and experts as to why the Blazers do not want to keep him either.
Fans express their frustration over Damian Lillard’s delayed arrival
A recent update from Greg Sylvander claimed that the Heat will be interested in acquiring Kelly Oubre Jr. if they finalize a deal for Damian Lillard. “If the Heat do finally ever figure out a Dame trade… Watch for both Christian Wood and Kelly Oubre to be on the team’s radar as possible vet minimum additions in free agency per league source.” Christian Wood and the Heat have shown mutual interest in joining forces, only if the Lillard trade falls through.
Oubre Jr. hasn’t been too active lately due to injuries. He played for the Charlotte Hornets averaging 20.2 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 1.1 assists in 48 appearances. He was a starter in 40 games before he had to undergo surgery for a torn ligament in his arm and rehabilitate. A few fans have been frustrated over the delay in Lillard’s arrival. One fan said, “Dame is never getting traded.” Another fan commented, “Too many ifs to worry about.”
Dame is never getting traded
— Con (@DaConstrict) August 22, 2023
Too many ifs to worry about
— OnlyVirals (@OnlyVirals) August 22, 2023
As of now, nothing has materialized and there hasn’t been much traction between the Blazers and Heat. Portland wants to take its time before settling for a deal. It is impossible to predict where this trade is headed. Someone believe that a trade may not even happen.
