On Monday, Portland Trail Blazers general manager Joe Cronin said during a press conference that the team is in no rush to replace star guard Damian Lillard.
The Trail Blazers will take their time with dealer Damian Lillard
Portland Trail Blazers general manager Joe Cronin has reiterated to the media that he has no sense of urgency in sending the franchise’s greatest player to his preferred destination.
“If it takes months, it will take months.” pic.twitter.com/TU28VJRW2R
– Basement Sports (@BasementSportsN) July 10, 2023
Cronin, who had not spoken to Lillard since requesting the trade on July 1, told reporters that Portland would exercise “patience” and ultimately do what was best for its franchise.
“I think what I’ve learned more than anything is patience is critical,” Cronin said at a news conference Monday. “Don’t be reactive. Don’t jump into things just to seem to solve a problem. I think the teams that ended up in the most positive situations after the trade were the ones that were really diligent about taking their time and weren’t impulsive, or the teams that kept their urgency under control.” the control “.
Cronin is willing to wait it out, even if it takes months.
“So I think that’s the approach I’ve taken with this and it’s going to be with this,” Cronin said. “We’re going to be patient. We’re going to do what’s best for our team. We’ll see how this pans out. And if it takes months, it will take months.”
Damian Lillard wants to play for the Miami Heat
“Damien Lillard just wants to play for the Miami Heat… I’m told there are 3 or 4 team scenarios in a deal with the Heat that potentially get you several first-round draft picks.”
NBA Insider @tweet Reports on Damian Lillard’s future. pic.twitter.com/LmrLJoIqXi
– TheRally July 3, 2023
Like most star players who ask for a trade, Lillard has a favorite team: the Miami Heat.
The Heat can match Lillard’s payroll with young players — Tyler Herro and Duncan Robinson — and trade multiple first-round picks, two necessary ingredients to making a deal.
However, the Blazers already have a crowded backcourt, with Anfernee Simons and Scoot Henderson, along with a guard/forward Shedon Sharp. A third team would likely be brought in if the Blazers wanted a frontcourt player in exchange.