On July 1st, there were multiple reports that Damian Lillard requested a trade out of the Portland Trail Blazers. He had apparently already reached a verbal agreement with the Miami Heat but the Blazers weren't so happy with this unilateral decision Dame made. The reality is that pretty much all NBA teams would lovehaving a players like him on their roster but he only wants to go to Miami. In his mind, the Heat are one of the few teams in the league that actually has chances at winning championships in the near future. They already made it to two NBA finals in the last four seasons but lost against the Lakers and the Nuggets. Clearly, they need one more All-Star who can help Jimmy Butler out. Lillard thinks he is that player.
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A new prospect enters the chat for Lillard
Amid the reports of Lillard's request for a trade, a battle ensued between the team and the player who wanted Miami and no other team. Pat Riley and his team haven't been able to make the deal happen, this prompted a reaction from one of the Heat's biggest rivals in the league. According to Fadeaway World, the Orlando Magic actually has a possible proposal that offers Wendell Carter Jr., Jonathan Isaac, Markelle Fultz and two first-round picks for Damian Lillard. In their favor, the Magic does have 2022 first overall pick Paolo Banchero to compete for NBA championships. It's a promising team that is filled with youth and skill.
Watch Victor Wembanyama's reaction to NBA2K24
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On paper, this trade would definitely make a lot of sense but the Blazers need to convince Damian Lillard that Orlando is better than Miami for him. That's a tough ask for Dame, especially if you consider he may have already reached a verbal agreement with the Miami Heat. It will all boil down to how badly Damian Lillard wants to leave the Portland Trail Blazers. A place where he hasn't been able to win a single championship throughout his entire decade-long tenure. He's become one of the best point guards in the league during that time but no trophies to show in his cabinet.
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