Damian Lillard never asked for a deal. But he told ESPN where he’d like to go.
During an appearance on Showtime boxing show “The Last Stand,” Brian Custer gave Lillard a hypothetical clue: If Lillard were to be traded to one of the teams rumored to be interested in him — the New York Knicks, Miami Heat, Boston Celtics or Brooklyn Nets — which destination would he prefer? Lillard?
“Obviously the heat,” said Lillard, laughing. “Miami is the obvious thing, and Bam (Adebayo) is my dog.” He added that Brooklyn was “another obvious one, because Michal Bridges is my dog, too.”
To be clear, Lillard didn’t ask for a trade from the Portland Trail Blazers, who finished third in this year’s draft. But he also said he “didn’t have much appetite” to play another young Portland player, after a season playing alongside promising but rough winger Shedon Sharp.
While Miami doesn’t have the obvious draft pick assets Portland would likely want in a Lillard trade, Pat Riley is known for acquiring stars with limited trading capital, from Alonzo Mourning an agreement For Shaquille O’Neal commerceand even deals that Brought Jimmy Butler and Kyle Lowry in this edition of The Heat. However, Lillard’s sporadic defensive commitment may not suit the Heat.
Brooklyn is a very interesting destination for Lillard. First, they have Bridges, which Lillard owns regularly
flattery Over the years, he’s called him “my favorite little forward in the league” in 2021. Bridges fueled the rumors by jumping to Lillard’s Instagram Live last week.
They also have Five additional first-round picks from commerce Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving, plus enough mid-size contracts to match Lillard’s $45.6 million salary for next year.
It really depends on whether Portland can make a deal with the No. 3 pick, perhaps packing in players like Sharpe or Anfernee Simons to keep Bridges away from the Nets. Portland also has the Knicks’ 23rd pick this season.
It also depends on whether Portland is truly committed to paying Lillard $216 million for the 33-36-year-old’s season after the team won just 60 games over the past two seasons. If they decide to part ways with their star, Lillard has made it clear where he’d rather go.