DAMIAN LILLARD

Philadelphia 76ers Could Land Damian Lillard Under One Condition

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The Philadelphia 76ers have many questions that need to be answered this off-season. First, will the franchise be willing to cut ties with star guard James Harden? Harden’s time with the franchise could end after a less-than-stellar playoff performance. The former league MVP has yet to decide on what his future plans will be. However, now it seems as if the team is in the middle of more off-season chaos. This time, it is revolving around the idea of trading for another superstar.

Brian Windhorst of ESPN has seemingly got the wheels moving for another rumor. The NBA analyst believes the 76ers could absolutely be in play for Damian Lillard. The Trail Blazers star has recently requested a trade, causing chaos for teams looking for that final piece. However, for Philadelphia to bring in a player like Lillard, it would cost a lot. “I think Maxey is the prime piece. And again, if Philadelphia was making that offer, Dame Lillard might be in Philly right now, but they are not.”

Read More: Joel Embiid Trade Rumors Starting To Swirl

Would The Philadelphia 76ers Part Ways With Tyrese Maxey?

Lillard is one of the greatest players of his generation. Having him on your roster immediately makes your team a verified threat. However, giving up a young star like Maxey could bring a negative reaction. Maxey blossomed into a star during Philly’s latest postseason run. Many fans are now settling into the idea of Maxey being number two alongside Joel Embiid. If the franchise were to bring in another star and see the same results, the fanbase would largely lose faith.

It seems foolish to turn down the opportunity to bring in a caliber player like Lillard. But Maxey is still growing into the role of a potential superstar. At the same time, the franchise should look into this matter. However, would the risk outweigh the reward? Would the Philadelphia 76ers regret trading a player like Tyrese Maxey? Let us know how you feel in the comment section. For the latest news in sports, keep it right here with HNHH.

Read More: Damian Lillard Questions Joel Embiid For Comments After Brutal Game 7 Loss

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Damian Lillard’s List Of Potential Trade Destinations Grows

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The Damian Lillard trade drama finally has a path. The Portland star has requested a trade from the franchise. While it has been reported that Lilalrd’s preferred destination would be Miami. However, there are conflicting reports that the all-star guard has no say in where he will end up. Whatever the case may be, Lillard will have a new home before the start of the 2023-24 season. Just exactly where has yet to be determined. But that isn’t stopping teams from reaching out to the Trail Blazers to see what it will take to bring Lillard to their organization.

Senior NBA insider Chris Haynes of Bleacher Report is reporting that several teams have already contacted Portland with interest in Dame. Among those teams are the Clippers, Timberwolves, Celtics, and Pelicans. Obviously, every team in the league should have this potential acquisition on their radar. Bringing a talent like Lillard to an organization instantly boosts the level the team will perform at. Lillard has made no secret that he wants to play for a team that is championship ready. However, that may not matter to the Trail Blazers.

Read More: Damian Lillard Reveals Future Plans With Portland Trail Blazers

Championship Contenders Show Interest In Damian Lillard

From Haynes’ report, all four teams that have contacted Portland could become contenders with Lillard. The Clippers and Celtics are two massive names to be considered in this sweepstakes. The Celtics recently added Kristaps Porzingas to their mix of young talent. Adding Lillard could be the cherry on top for an unstoppable force in Boston. At the same time, the Clippers adding Dame could create a deadly new big 3 with Paul George and Kawhi Leonard. However, the return is bound to be massive for the services of Lillard.

Whatever the case may be, it feels like this trade is in its infancy stages. It seems that Portland is in no rush to send Lillard off. As well as, potential suitors seem to be weighing out what it could cost to bring the MVP candidate to their organization. Will Lillard get a say on where he eventually will end up? Or will Portland make the best decision for the organization? Let us know what you think in the comment section. For the latest news in sports, keep it right here with HNHH.

Read More: Damian Lillard Instagram Post Fuels Trade Speculation

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Damian Lillard Has “No Control” Over Trade Destination

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On July 1, Damian Lillard formally submitted a trade request to the Portland Trail Blazers. Lillard, who was drafted sixth overall by the Blazers in 2012, has reportedly grown increasingly unhappy with the direction of the franchise. Despite Portland making the playoffs every year between 2014 and 2021, five of those runs ended in the first round. Furthermore, the Blazers have missed the playoffs in the last two seasons, tallying just 60 total wins in that time. Furthermore, Lillard made it clear that his preferred destination was the Miami Heat.

While the Blazers announced that they would honor the request, the team also acknowledged that they hold all the cards. Lillard has two years left on his contract and is coming off one of the best seasons of his career. “We have been clear that we want Dame here but he notified us today he wants out and he’d prefer to play someplace else. What has not changed for us is that we’re committed to winning. We are going to do what’s best for the team in pursuit of that goal,” Blazers GM Joe Cronin told ESPN.

Lillard’s Fate In Portland’s Hands

Speaking on July 2, ESPN‘s Adrian Wojnarowski reiterated this sentiment. Though Lillard has made it clear he would prefer to join the Miami Heat, he does not have a no-trade clause and does not get to control where he goes next. Portland is going to try to find the best deal it can. [That will be] a combination of draft picks, young players, and salary compensation for a star of Lillard’s magnitude,” Woj explained. The no-trade clause element of the deal is vital. It means that Lillard has no recourse in the event of a trade that he doesn’t like.

However, a trade shouldn’t be expected anytime soon. “This will not be a quick process and Miami does not have any advantage,” a league source further told ESPN. In fact, Miami could be at something of a disadvantage in trade talks. With Jimmy Butler and Bam Adebayo presumably off the table, a trade involving “star-level” talent, would likely involve Kyle Lowry or Tyler Herro. However, sources have previously indicated that the Blazers don’t have too much interest in Herro. That means that the Heat would have to go heavy on the draft capital, which could ultimately backfire in a number of ways. This is a developing story and we’ll have any updates here at HotNewHipHop.

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Trail Blazers Want A “Star-Level Return” For Damian Lillard, Will Look Beyond The Heat

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The Portland Trail Blazers reportedly will look beyond just the Miami Heat as a trade candidate for Damian Lillard after the star point guard requested to be moved on Saturday. According to Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN, the team wants a “Star-Level Return” for their top player. While Lillard has his eyes set on the Miami Heat, the Trail Blazers will also apparently look for whichever team can supply the best return.

Trail Blazers general manager Joe Cronin broke his silence on the trade request, Saturday afternoon. “We have been clear that we want Dame here but he notified us today he wants out and he’d prefer to play someplace else. What has not changed for us is that we’re committed to winning, and we are going to do what’s best for the team in pursuit of that goal,” he said, according to Wojnarowski.

Read More: Damian Lillard Formally Requests Trade

Damian Lillard Wants Out Of Portland

LOS ANGELES, CA – OCTOBER 23: Damian Lillard #0 of the Portland Trail. Blazers celebrates as he points to his wrist after scoring a three-point basket in the closing seconds of the game against L.A. Lakers at Crypto.com Arena on October 23, 2022 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images)(Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images)

When asked to choose which team would make him say “that’s not too bad” of the Knicks, Heat, Celtics, and Nets Lillard confidently went with the Heat while recently appearing on The Last Stand podcast with Showtime’s Brian Custer. “Miami obviously,” Lillard said at the time. “Miami is the obvious one. And Bam [Adebayo] is my dog. Bam is my dog for real. Miami is the obvious one. Brooklyn is another obvious one, because Mikal Bridges is my dog too.” Likely pieces that the Heat could offer include Tyler Herro, various draft picks, and more.

Lillard’s contract positions him to earn $45.6 million, $48.8 million, and $58.5 million over the next three seasons. He also has a $63.2 million player option in the 2026-27 season. Be on the lookout to see which team ends up landing Damian Lillard in the coming weeks.

Read More: Damian Lillard Reveals Which Team He Wouldn’t Mind Being Traded To

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Damian Lillard Formally Requests Trade

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Damian Lillard has formally submitted a trade request to the Portland Trail Blazers, per ESPN. Lillard, who was drafted sixth overall by the Blazers in 2012, has reportedly grown increasingly unhappy with the direction of the franchise. Despite Portland making the playoffs every year between 2014 and 2021, five of those runs ended in the first round. Furthermore, the Blazers have missed the playoffs in the last two seasons, tallying just 60 total wins in that time.

Lillard openly flirted with a trade earlier in the offseason. He told The Last Stand that if he was traded, his preferred destination would be the Miami Heat. Eager to keep Lillard in Portland, the Blazers were reportedly willing to trade away the third-overall pick in the 2023 Draft for an elite veteran. That did not come to pass and the Blazers instead drafted highly-touted prospect Scoot Henderson. While Lillard said he was willing to wait and see what the Blazers did in free agency, it appears that he has now made up his mind.

Blazers Expected To Honor Lillard Trade Request

Lillard’s trade request is now official. The Heat, Clippers, and Sixers are all expected to be primary suitors for his services. However, a source reiterated to Marc J. Spears that the Heat remained Lillard’s personal preference. Furthermore, the Blazers are expected to honor Lillard’s request for a change of scenery. This is despite Lillard being under contract for the next two seasons. This will likely see the Blazers build a young core around Jerami Grant. They gave the 29-year-old a 5-year, $160 million contract at the start of free agency.

According to ESPN Stats & Information, Lillard’s 32.2 points per game in 2022-23 will become the most by a player who changed teams the following season. Additionally, his production is likely to turn any contender into a title favorite. If he does head to Miami, he will be the final piece of a modern Heat Big 3 with Jimmy Butler and Bam Adebayo. Meanwhile, he could join a potentially stacked roster in LA. Reportedly, the Clippers are already chasing a trade for James Harden. This is very much a developing story and we’ll have any updates here on HotNewHipHop.

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Kendrick Perkins Issues Challenge To Portland Trail Blazers

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Kendrick Perkins isn’t ready to wave the white flag for the Portland Trail Blazers. Portland had an abysmal 2022-23 campaign, resulting in a top pick in the 2023 NBA Draft. However, the current situation in the organization is to win now, not later. Trail Blazers star guard Damian Lillard has let his feelings be known on numerous occasions that the time to win is now. Because there may not be a later for Lillard in Portland. The NBA All-Star is on the fence about rejoining the team if there’s no plan to build a winner.

However, Perkins believes that the Trail Blazers can still accomplish that. In fact, the former Oklahoma City Thunder big man believes that the blueprint has already been created. “I’m challenging Chauncey Billups and Damian Lillard to gather the troops and go out there and do what the Kings and Heat did… Put the world on notice,” stated Perkins in an appearance on NBA Today. The Heat and Kings definitely shocked the NBA world this season. However, is the talent there for Portland?

Read More: Damian Lillard Reveals Future Plans With Portland Trail Blazers

Kendrick Perkins Sees A Winner In Portland

In the clip above, Perkins exclaims that the Trail Blazers already have the pieces to be a successful team next season. With Anfernee Simons and Scoot Henderson in the mix, a young core is there. Now it’s time for the organization to go out and win free agency. Also, the team is desperate to hang onto Lillard. Lillard is the final and biggest piece of the puzzle. However, without him, the team is far away from being considered a contender.

Perkins also mentioned that Blazers head coach Chauncey Billups needs to lead the charge. Billups knows what it’s like to be a part of a winner. The Portland head man won an NBA title during his time with the Detroit Pistons. A team that was built through free agency and making great draft selections. Not every team is a desirable location to superstars looking for a new home. However, Portland has some intriguing pieces that should have players in free agency, giving them a look. Do you believe Portland can build a winner? Let us know in the comment section. For the latest news in sports, keep it right here with HNHH.

Read More: Damian Lillard Reveals Which Team He Wouldn’t Mind Being Traded To

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Damian Lillard Reveals Future Plans With Portland Trail Blazers

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Damian Lillard has the entire NBA world in the palm of his hands. The Portland Trail Blazers star is the key piece to many potential moves this off-season. For the last few years, it has felt like Lillard and the Trail Blazers would inevitably part. However, Lillard has remained loyal to the franchise his entire career. But it now seems like time is ticking. The all-star guard is now wondering how much time he has left to win an NBA title. Or if he can even do it in Portland?

On Monday, it was reported that Lillard met with the organization to discuss his future. Would he be looking to build a contender in Portland? Or would he finally be requesting a trade from the team he has been so fiercely loyal to? According to ESPN‘s Brian Windhorst, Lillard did not ask for a trade during the meeting. Instead, it is being reported that Lillard wants to wait and see what the franchise does during free agency.

Read More: Damian Lillard Reveals Which Team He Wouldn’t Mind Being Traded To

Damian Lillard Weighing All Options

While time may be of the essence, Lillard plans to wait around a little longer. The Weber State product has made no secret of what his intentions are for the upcoming season. Lillard has stated over and over again that he wants a veteran-heavy team. However, it seems the franchise looks to be in the middle of another rebuild. The Trail Blazers selected Scoot Henderson with their first-round pick in the NBA Draft earlier this month. However, young talent alone will not be enough to keep Lillard in town.

So, long story short, Lillard continues to be patient with his future. Any move the superstar makes will be looked at under a microscope. If he stays, people will question if he really wants a shot at a title. If he leaves, others will claim he’s just another sell-out trying to create the next superteam. What do you think Damian Lillard should do? Let us know in the comment section. For the latest news in sports, keep it right here with HNHH.

Read More: Damian Lillard Net Worth 2023: What Is The NBA Star Worth?

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Portland Trail Blazers G-League Affiliate Announced

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The Portland Trail Blazers have been the topic of discussion many times this summer. However, those discussions aren’t always good. The franchise seems to be at a crossroads with superstar Damian Lillard on the future. Lillard has long stayed loyal to the franchise in hopes of bringing a championship to the city. But sadly, the franchise has been unable to build a strong enough team around Lillard to finish the job. But that discussion can be saved for another day. There’s good news coming out of Portland today.

On Monday, the NBA announced that the Trail Blazers will officially have a G-League affiliate this upcoming season. The Rip City Remix will be the official name of the organization. The NBA has seen massive growth in its developmental league. Including a G-League star being drafted third overall in Scoot Henderson. As fate would have it, Henderson was selected by the Trail Blazers with that pick. Check out the logo and team colors of the new G-League franchise below.

Read More: The 2023 NBA Draft Was Pure Chaos

Rip City Remix Taking Portland By Storm

With the introduction of NIL, the landscape of college athletics has changed forever. However, athletes looking to make it in the NBA have an alternate path instead of college. The G-League has shown steady growth over the years. Including more and more NBA teams getting affiliated teams for their franchise. Henderson going in the Top 5 of this year’s draft could be an eye-opening lesson for those looking to take the G-League route.

Undoubtedly the G-League is good for the NBA. Having a minor league system has already proven to be good for players already in the league but not quite ready to be a part of their franchise. The MLB has long been successful with the minor leagues. As the NFL is starting to use leagues like the XFL and USFL as their own minor league systems. The Trail Blazers will now have a place to keep young talent that is hungry to make the main roster. Do you see the G-League becoming more successful than college basketball? Let us know in the comment section. For the latest news in sports, keep it right here with HNHH.

Read More: Drake Follows Toronto Raptors Rookie On Instagram After Shout Out At NBA Draft

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Damian Lillard Instagram Post Fuels Trade Speculation

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Is Damian Lillard on the way out in Portland? That appears to be the growing consensus. The team is stuck in a rebuilding phase and Lillard is not getting any younger. As a result, Lillard’s patience with the team that drafted him might be wearing out. In fact, he’s been bold enough to openly discuss trade destinations in recent days.

When asked which of the many teams he would rather be traded to, Lillard’s answer was very clear. “Miami, obviously,” came his candid answer while appearing on The Last Stand. Furthermore, Lillard alluded to his close friendship with current Heat star Bam Adebayo in the same interview. Now it appears that Lillard is taking the rumors to the next level.

Lillard Appears To Allude To A Move

 

 
 
 
 
 
View this post on Instagram
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 

A post shared by Damian Lillard (@damianlillard)

On June 8, Lillard took to his Instagram page and posted an image of himself tapping his wrist in the universally recognized “time’s up” symbol. Many have taken this to me that Lillard wants out of Portland sooner rather than later. The question is whether the Blazers will let him walk. Despite being 32, Lillard is still a highly productive player and will demand a high compensation package. This is exacerbated by the fact that Lillard has already exercised the player option year for the 2024/25 season. This means a trade will guarantee two years of Lillard for the receiving team. However, Lillard is under trade restriction until July 9.

As previously mentioned, it’s unclear if the Blazers will be willing to trade Lillard. Previous rumors have suggested that the Blazers want to go all in. There is apparently a strong desire to win a championship with Lillard while he is still in Portland. Reports indicate that the Blazers were willing to trade the third-overall pick in the upcoming draft for an elite small forward. “The Trail Blazers, who currently own the pick, will seek to trade out of the third position rather than select another young player. With Portland in “win it for Dame” mode and the Blazers desperate for playable wings (even presuming they re-sign Jerami Grant), speculation is already widespread that a package of the third pick and Anfernee Simons might be used to snag an elite small forward,” wrote John Hollinger of The Athletic.

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Stephen A. Smith Encourages Damian Lillard To Leave Portland

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Damian Lillard has been the cornerstone of the Portland Trail Blazers for over a decade. A rare four-year collegiate player, Lillard was drafted sixth overall out of Weber State in 2012. He has since gone on to become a seven-time all-star, seven-time All-NBAer, and Rookie of the Year in 2013.

This past season, Lillard put up the third-most points per game (32.2) in the NBA. Furthermore, he was tenth in assists per game (7.3). Despite this, the Blazers missed the playoffs for the second consecutive season, going 33-49. However, the Blazers are reportedly in a “win now for Lillard” mode. This includes going as far as to indicate that the third-overall pick in the NBA draft is up for grabs. Also up for grabs? Damian Lillard. Rumors are steadily increasing that the Blazers could trade Lillard, with the star himself indicating that he wouldn’t mind a trade to Miami.

Smith Supports Lillard Leaving Portland

Speaking on First Take on June 7, Stephen A. Smith revealed he was all in on Lillard getting out of Portland. “I have been BEGGING Damian Lillard to get the hell out of Portland. … He’s not winning in Portland. It will not happen,” Smith said during a three-minute monologue on the topic. Furthermore, Smith revealed that he had advocated for Lillard and former Blazer CJ McCollum to both get out of Portland for many years. McCollum, also appearing on the show, also gave his thoughts about the situation. “The market will dictate what happens here. … If I was a betting man, I would say this is the last that we’ve seen of him [in Portland],” he said.

It’s a damning, yet fair, indictment of the situation in Portland. In Lillard’s tenure with the team, they have made the Western Conference Finals once (2019). Beyond that run, they have made the Conference Semifinals two other times (2014, 2016). However, they are simply not a championship-caliber team and it would take the moon, their stock of future draft picks, and a healthy dose of luck to build a one-and-done championship machine. Regardless, what do you think – should Lillard get out of Portland? Let us know in the comments.

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