Damian Lillard has formally requested a trade from the Portland Trail Blazers. According to multiple reports, Lillard finally made the long-anticipated decision about his future, and told the Blazers that he would like to continue his career elsewhere. All of this raises the question: Where, exactly, will Lillard play his next NBA game?
Right when the news dropped about Lillard’s trade request, Shams Charania of The Athletic noted that the Miami Heat and the Brooklyn Nets — two teams that had been linked to Lillard earlier this offseason in the event he requested a trade — were interested. Not long after that, Chris Haynes of Bleacher Report went on to say that the “preferred destinations” are Miami and Brooklyn.
https://twitter.com/ChrisBHaynes/status/1675174339019444224
Charania then reported that, specifically, Lillard the Blazers he wants to go to Miami.
The Portland Trail Blazers have been informed that Damian Lillard wants a trade specifically to the Eastern Conference champion Miami Heat, multiple sources tell @TheAthletic @Stadium. https://t.co/CE2lJVcuod
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) July 1, 2023
Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN expanded things out a bit, as he mentioned that the Philadelphia 76ers and the Los Angeles Clippers will also have interest in bringing Lillard on board.
ESPN Sources with @RamonaShelburne: Portland G Damian Lillard has requested a trade and the franchise is expected to work to accommodate him. pic.twitter.com/Qhrdj70sFX
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) July 1, 2023
It’s worth noting that the Blazers do not have to do what Lillard wants in this situation, as his contract does not include a no-trade clause and they’re free to figure out a deal with anyone as a result. Having said that, Wojnarowski previously reported that Portland will “work to accommodate” Lillard.
