Lillard requests trade; prefers Heat, source says

Portland Trail Blazers guard Damian Lillard has requested a commerce after spending the primary 11 seasons of his profession with the crew.

“We’ve been clear that we would like Dame right here however he notified us at present he needs out and he’d desire to play someplace else,” Portland basic supervisor Joe Cronin mentioned in an announcement Saturday. “What has not modified for us is that we’re dedicated to profitable, and we’re going to do what’s finest for the crew in pursuit of that purpose.”

The Miami Heat, LA Clippers and Philadelphia 76ers are three groups that may have curiosity in exploring trades for Lillard, sources advised ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski and Ramona Shelburne.

Lillard’s desire is to be traded to the Warmth, a supply advised Andscape’s Marc J. Spears. Lillard additionally has deep respect for the san antonio spurs group, sources advised Shelburne.

Entrance workplaces speaking to Portland on Saturday have been left with the impression that Cronin is pursuing a star-level return package deal for Lillard, and that the GM plans to look nicely past the Warmth to search out one, sources advised Wojnarowski.

The Blazers are anticipated to worth offers that will convey them younger gamers and draft belongings.

Lillard had contemplated requesting a commerce when he met with the Blazers and Cronin on Monday, however needed to provide them each alternative to enhance the roster as free company opened so he remained as quiet and supportive as he may this week, sources mentioned. On Friday night time, he made the choice to ask for a commerce.

Lillard has caught with the franchise that selected him with the No. 6 choose within the 2012 NBA draft by two seasons wherein Portland didn’t make the postseason following eight consecutive journeys. However after the Blazers opted to make use of their No. 3 choose in final month’s draft on guard Scoot Hendersonthe long run route of the franchise was clear.

Although free agent offers cannot be formalized and signed till Thursday, Portland nonetheless intends to signal Straw Grant to the five-year, $160 million contract the 2 sides agreed upon Friday, sources advised ESPN.

Ought to Lillard depart, it will likely be after a run wherein he made seven All-Star and All-NBA groups and led Portland to a Western Convention finals look in 2018-19. He ranks first in Blazers historical past in each factors and 3-pointers and second in assists.

Lillard, who turns 33 on July 15, had a profession yr final season, averaging 32.2 factors and seven.3 assists, however performed simply 58 video games as he sat out the final month. The spotlight of Lillard’s season got here Feb. 26 in opposition to the Houston Rockets when he exploded for 71 factors.

His factors per recreation can be probably the most by a participant to alter groups the next season, in accordance with ESPN Stats & Info.