As the 2023-24 NBA season approaches, the Portland Trail Blazers are reportedly intensifying their efforts to negotiate a deal surrounding their star player, Damian Lillard. ESPN insider Adrian Wojnarowski disclosed that the Blazers have resumed talks with multiple teams, potentially planning a multiteam trade to secure assets including draft picks and young players.
“My sense is that the Blazers have done a lot more talking with teams in the last say 10 to 14 days than they did probably in at least a month plus prior,” Wojnarowski said. “And a big part of that is the league is back to work now after Labor Day, and training camp is starting to approach. And that’s the next real deadline in this process.
Wojnarowski added:
“But I think Portland, what they’ve been trying to do, is see how they could put together multiteam deals that would get them the assets that they would want: draft picks, young players.”
The Blazers have increased trade talks surrounding Damian Lillard, per @wojespn.
“My sense is that the Blazers have done a lot more talking with teams in the last, say 10 to 14 days, than they did probably in at least a month plus prior.” pic.twitter.com/BwtUM8tvGt
— Legion Hoops (@LegionHoops) September 16, 2023
Lillard, whose preference is reportedly a move to Miami, initiated a trade request over two months ago. Despite the Heat not being specifically mentioned in recent conversations, Lillard’s agent had expressed a preference for the Florida-based team as the favorite to sign Lillard.
In Miami, the potential acquisition of Lillard has cast a significant shadow, causing the franchise to miss out on several player signings. Notable players including Gabe Vincent, Max Strus, and Victor Oladipo have exited the team. The team also missed out on signing Christian Wood, who recently joined the Los Angeles Lakers.
As the time passes, the pressure is building not only on the franchises involved but also on the players who are caught up in the middle of speculations and shifting dynamics.
NBA fans react to Damian Lillard trade drama
The rumors surrounding Lillard’s potential move have sparked a lot of reactions from the NBA community. Fans voiced their concern and dissatisfaction on X (formerly Twitter), highlighting the tension building up as the new season approaches.
Some expressed their growing impatience with the developing situation, urging the Blazers to finalize a decision before the start of the training camps. Some fans believe that retaining Lillard could prove to be more of a distraction than an asset for the Portland Trail Blazers.
They don’t want him there anymore, he’s now going to be a distraction🤷♂️
— NKY Bracket Guy (@BracketNky) September 16, 2023
On the other hand, some fans seem to be supporting the potential transfer. An X post read, “They don’t want him there anymore, he’s now going to be a distraction,” reflecting a certain hostility toward the idea of Lillard staying on the Blazers team after requesting a trade to the Heat.
pls don’t bring him to miami, let him rot somewhere he don’t wanna go
— LBJ ʰᶦᵐ (@KiLBJJ) September 16, 2023
Despite the Blazers’ evident commitment to working out a deal, a section of the fan base has taken a tough stance, suggesting that Portland might instruct Lillard to stay away if a suitable agreement is not reached in time.
They don’t want him on the roster when training camp and the new season officially starts. If they can’t find a deal look for Portland to tell Dame to stay home
— IKD (@ESPNneedsIKD) September 16, 2023
As the debate continues, the NBA community is eagerly waiting to see where Damian Lillard will be as the 2023-24 season unfolds.