The news that Damian Lillard has asked the Trail Blazers to trade him broke following the 2023 NBA draft and the start of free agency. Although Lillard has consistently stated his devotion to the Trail Blazers, it has been clear for a few weeks that he might want a change of scenery.
When reports of a possible Damian Lillard trade first surfaced a month ago, it was clearly apparent that the seven-time All-Star had no interest in discussing a move to the Boston Celtics. Nevertheless, according to one rumor, Jayson Tatum had made one attempt to convince the Portland Trail Blazers’ All-Star to think about Boston.
“And I’m hearing Jayson Tatum’s knocking on that door now, too, trying to figure out a way to get him to come to Boston,” per Marc Spears. But another chapter in the saga has been added, as according to the latest reports, Jayson Tatum has steered clear of all the rumors. A video of Tatum denying everything linking to Dame’s trade has surfaced on Twitter.
Jayson Tatum has “nothing to do with” recruiting Dame to Boston 🤫 pic.twitter.com/WTthqc5hQH
— Ball Don’t Lie (@Balldontlie) July 15, 2023
“Nah…I ain’t got nothing to with that,” Jayson said when asked if he had tried to make something happen to get Lillard to play with him. Now that Lillard is apparently confirmed as not going to the Celtics, where could his fate ultimately make him land?
What’s next in the Damian Lillard trade saga?
A name that has constantly stuck around the talks of Dame’s trade is Tyler Herro. Tyler Herro has played a crucial role in the negotiations between the Miami Heat and Portland Trail Blazers to trade for Damian Lillard. NBA rumors claim that Herro is the focal point of Miami’s trade proposal for Dame, which is still being hammered out at this time.
The search for the ideal trade package to send Damian Lillard to South Beach is currently at a standstill between the Miami Heat and the Portland Trail Blazers. Currently, adding a third team to finish the deal is the best course of action.
The Toronto Raptors are interested in Tyler Herro, per @MikeAScotto
“The Toronto Raptors can also be added to the list of teams that have expressed exploratory interest in acquiring Herro as part of multi-team trade talks between the Blazers and Heat involving Lillard, league… pic.twitter.com/T8HKdzDwMt
— NBACentral (@TheNBACentral) July 15, 2023
According to Michael Scotto of HoopsHype, the Toronto Raptors have “expressed exploratory interest” in acquiring guard Tyler Herro. Damian Lillard, a star for the Portland Trail Blazers, would be sent to the Miami Heat in exchange for the transaction, which might involve three teams.
Although Tyler Herro is one of those being linked to the Lillard deal, it appears that he may wind up as the conduit if Miami and Portland are able to finally make that crucial connection. In order to get Herro, other teams have also shown a desire to act as the intermediary in the Lillard transfer.