The All-Star expects to stay in Portland but praises Miami and Brooklyn
Portland Trail Blazers guard Damian Lillard expects he’ll be in Portland for the start of the 2023-24 NBA season, but also says he’d be interested in joining the Miami Heat or the Brooklyn Nets , should the opportunity arise. Appearing on Showtime Sports’ The Last Stand, Lillard is open about his future in Portland. The decisive discussion begins shortly after 49:00.
While clarifying that Portland remains his home, Lillard expresses appreciation for Heat center Bam Adebayo and Nets wing Mikal Bridges when discussing hypothetical trade scenarios. He also calls the Miami and Brooklyn rosters “capable.”
The 32-year-old guard posted a career-high 32.2 points per game last season after returning from abdominal surgery. Despite this, the Blazers missed the playoffs for the second straight year, leading to increased speculation about Lillard’s happiness and even occasionally his fitness at Portland. The Blazers own the third overall pick in the 2023 NBA draft. They are expected to solicit trade offers on this asset and seek experienced help for Lillard. If not, Lillard has already said he is not involved in a Portland Reconstruction movement.
The Heat have few assets with which to lure the Blazers into a trade for the veteran guard, but the Nets have a sizable selection of draft picks and players, both their own and those recently traded to them by Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving mid-season.
Continue reading