2023-07-03 19:07:00
Two days following Damian Lillard’s transfer request, we are all impatiently awaiting the next episode of the great saga of summer 2023. While the Blazers have announced their intention to obtain the best possible consideration in exchange for their superstar, Lillard has publicly shared his desire to join Miami and only Miami. What cool franchises interested in its services.
When a star of the caliber of Damian Lillard arrives on the transfer market, inevitably there is a rush at the gate to try to secure his services. Several franchises have been cited as potential destinations in recent days: Heat in the first place, but also Nets, Clippers, Sixers, Celtics and a few others. Except that in the middle of all that, Dame DOLLA has her eyes riveted on Miami, and that’s the sensitive point of the case.
There remains a strong belief that Damian Lillard to Miami remains the most likely outcome, @ShamsCharania writes.
“Lillard’s openness with his preference is expected to keep other teams at bay without assurance that Lillard would be happy to join them.”
— The Athletic NBA (@TheAthleticNBA) July 3, 2023
According to Shams Charania of The Athletic, Damian Lillard’s unyielding desire to join the Heat this summer is giving cold sweats to franchises wanting to recruit him right now. The insider indicates that the interested teams will not let go of the very large counterparty that Portland seeks without having the guarantee that Dame really wants to play for them.
Even if Damian Lillard is under contract until 2027, and that he cannot therefore play a possible status of free agent (with threat of departure at the key) to put pressure on his future franchise, the latter logically does not want to drop heavy in terms of draft picks and young players for a nearly 33-year-old superstar who is showing off. Because this might result in a situation of internal conflict where everyone loses in the end. And that’s specifically what still gives the Miami Heat the edge, even though the Blazers have made it public that they want to get the best deal possible, whether it’s with the Heat or another franchise.
The Blazers are holding firm that they’ll do a deal with the team that makes the most lucrative offer, and won’t be beholden to Damian Lillard’s request to join the Heat.
We’ll see.
Recent history is on Lillard’s side, @davidaldridgedc writes.
— The Athletic NBA (@TheAthleticNBA) July 3, 2023
In the era of player empowerment, superstars are used to getting what they want no matter the circumstances surrounding their departure or transfer. And the Lillard case might represent new proof of this reality. No matter what they say publicly, the Blazers are probably aware of one thing: the rest of the league, and NBA players in particular, are keeping a close eye on how they handle the Damian Lillard case.
We’re talking regarding one of the three best players in franchise history. We’re talking regarding a player who has shown extreme loyalty to the Blazers for over a decade. We’re talking regarding Portland’s face. So even if General Manager Joe Cronin and his minions legitimately analyze the market to obtain the best possible consideration, a divorce that ends badly can have real negative repercussions for the reputation of the franchise in the long term. Already that the Blazers are not a big destination in terms of Free Agency, screwing up the departure of the local icon – who has been faithful for so long – can really hurt your image.
Watch out for the Blazers… watch out, we talked regarding it, divorces that end badly can be a nightmare in terms of your image to manage.
It’s obvious that Portland wants to get the best package once morest Lillard, but must avoid a stupid end. Attention.
— TrashTalk (@TrashTalk_fr) July 2, 2023
All that to say that despite the announcements made in public, the most likely scenario in this case remains a transfer from Lillard to the Miami Heat, the only destination he is considering at the moment T. For this, a three-way deal teams (or more) is probably needed, and that’s specifically why the matter isn’t being settled in three days despite the insistence of Pat Riley and his buddies…
___________
Source texte : The Athletic
1688439123
#teams #cooled #desire #Miami
