NBA Fans are interested in anything and everything, even something slightly related to the trade talks involving Damian Lillard. A glimpse of Miami Heat forward Kyle Lowry and Blazers coach Chauncey Billups conversing at Saturday night’s football game between Colorado State and Colorado in Boulder sent social media into overdrive.
Billups, who attended Colorado during his collegiate basketball career, was seen by ESPN television cameras in a suite with Lowry. The video clip was roughly 25 seconds long. About 13 seconds into the tape, Billups got to his feet and moved away from Lowry. Screenshots were discovered and uploaded on Twitter, which led some people to believe that a Lillard deal between the Blazers and Miami Heat may be in the works.
Trailblazers Head Coach Chauncey Billups hanging out with Kyle Lowry at the Colorado game pic.twitter.com/SNVa2LxxRY
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) September 17, 2023
The presence of celebrities has improved a rivalry game that many people would have needed to pay attention to, raising competition. There was Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson present. Before the game, rapper Lil Wayne performed. Rappers Master P, Offset, and Key Glock were also watching on the field.
Even Kawhi Leonard of the LA Clippers attended the game. Celebrities frequently sign up with a popular collegiate team. During the Reggie Bush era, Snoop Dogg attended USC games. Drake developed a love for Kentucky basketball. Luther Campbell is a huge Miami Dolphins fan.
Where do the Damian Lillard and Miami Heat trade talks stand?
First off, there is a well-known history of friendship between Billups and Lowry. That they would converse therefore makes sense. They shouldn’t have a serious conversation about trade in a suite during a nationally broadcast game rather than over the phone or somewhere else.
In the latest turn of events, Dame himself gave fuel to the rumors. Lillard’s now-deleted Instagram story post resurrected trade speculation involving the Miami Heat. The seven-time All-Star was mentioned in an intriguing Instagram message that was written by a fan. “Future Heat Legend Damian Lillard soon,” the fan’s story said. Lillard reshared the post on his story and deleted it later.
Dame post and delete on his IG story 👀
(h/t @ClutchPoints) pic.twitter.com/AFKrbBatCs
— Legion Hoops (@LegionHoops) September 15, 2023
The Blazers will want to receive the best offer, which is why they haven’t sent Lillard to his favorite destination, the Miami Heat. The Blazers will still want to stay out of further controversy though. Having Liillard in camp will be a major distraction for a young club that is beginning a rebuild unless he plans to remain with the squad for a considerable amount of the season.
There is no assurance that a deal will be completed before training camp, but it is evident that the Blazers now have a sense of urgency that was lacking for most of the summer.