Lillard has specifically asked to be traded to the Miami Heat, according to Shams Charania of The Athletic and Stadium. The Brooklyn Nets are also a potential suitor, as is the Los Angeles Clippers. The Philadelphia 76ers have also expressed interest, according to Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN.
Lillard is under contract for four more seasons and is owed $216 million. He is coming off one of the best seasons of his career, averaging 32.2 points, 4.8 rebounds and 7.3 assists per game. He was also named to the All-NBA First Team for the second time in his career.
The Trail Blazers have been rebuilding since Lillard's last playoff appearance in 2019. They finished with a 42-40 record last season and missed the playoffs for the fourth consecutive year.
Lillard's trade request is a major blow to the Trail Blazers. He is the team's all-time leading scorer and one of the most popular players in franchise history. However, it is clear that he is no longer content with the team's direction and believes that he needs to be traded in order to win a championship.
It remains to be seen where Lillard will end up being traded. The Heat, Nets, Clippers and 76ers are all expected to be in the mix for his services. However, any trade for Lillard is likely to be complex and involve multiple players and draft picks.
The Trail Blazers are now facing a major rebuilding process. They will need to find a new star to build around and will need to add some young talent to the roster. It will be a challenge, but the Trail Blazers have shown in the past that they are capable of rebuilding and contending for a championship.
0 Comments