trade

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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Phoenix Suns Could Waive Chris Paul

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In a shocking turn of events, the Phoenix Suns have met with Chris Paul and informed the veteran point guard that he could be waived before a guaranteed salary clause in his contract triggers on June 28th. Paul, who turned 38 earlier this month, has been in Phoenix since 2020. He was a trade acquisition from the Thunder. However, he has turned into a core piece for Phoenix.

However, the Suns are currently in the midst of a roster dilemma, with a number of weighty contracts set to drag the franchise into cap hell. Unfortunately, this is something of the franchise’s own doing. The team made a number of blockbuster trades as they went all-in on winning in 2023. Next year, Paul is owed $30.8 million. However, he is only owed $15.8 million if he can be removed from the roster before June 28th.

Suns Meeting With Paul

PHOENIX, ARIZONA – APRIL 25: Chris Paul #3 of the Phoenix Suns attempts a three point basket against Russell Westbrook #0 of the LA Clippers during the fourth quarter in game five of the Western Conference First Round Playoffs at Footprint Center on April 25, 2023 in Phoenix, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)

According to sources who spoke with ESPN, the Suns met with Paul on June 7. This meeting was to discuss his future with the team. As part of those discussions, the team openly told Paul he could be waived. However, per ESPN, “The Suns insist that they’re still working through several possibilities on Paul’s future.” As recently as last week, ESPN‘s Tim McMahon reported that Paul’s place on the team was reportedly safe. Furthermore, center DeAndre Ayton was believed to be the main trade piece for the Suns.

As it stands, the Suns are currently $74 million over the NBA salary cap heading into next season. It’s quite possible, given that this may necessitate the trading/waiving of Paul, Ayton, and other key contributors, that the Suns’ championship window has closed for the moment. However. Paul is reportedly eager to stay with the Suns and his waiving is not yet confirmed. Despite this, it does appear that being waived, unless an equitable trade can be found, is the most likely outcome. Last season, Paul put up 13.9 points per game and 8.9 assists (4th highest in the NBA). However, he was largely unavailable during the playoffs due to a recurring late-season injury. This is a developing story and we’ll have any updates here at HotNewHipHop.

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DeAndre Hopkins Hints At Prefering Chiefs & Bills As Trade Destinations

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DeAndre Hopkins hinted at preferring the Chiefs and Bills as trade destinations during a new interview with CBS Sports’ Bryant McFadden on The Catch. While he didn’t vocalize his opinion, Hopkins displayed his thoughts on the matter with dramatic body language. He also seemed turned off by the idea of playing for either the Patriots or the Jets.

Hopkins also addressed his status in a tweet on Sunday. “Hopkins doesn’t want a raise,” he wrote in one post. The five-time Pro Bowler is set to earn $19.45 million in 2023, and $14.915 million in 2024.

DeAndre Hopkins With The Cardinals

GLENDALE, ARIZONA – DECEMBER 13: Wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins #10 of the Arizona Cardinals lines up during the NFL game against the Los Angeles Rams at State Farm Stadium on December 13, 2021 in Glendale, Arizona. The Rams defeated the Cardinals 30-23. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)

One team that McFadden didn’t ask Hopkins about joining was the Baltimore Ravens. Reports from earlier this week alleged that Lamar Jackson requested his team go out and acquire Hopkins as well as Odell Beckham Jr. While they successfully signed OBJ, trading for Hopkins may prove more difficult. ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler recently revealed on Sportscenter that he believes the Cardinals are seeking a “Christian McCaffrey package” in return for Hopkins.

“[The Baltimore Ravens] have at least looked around at the luxury shopping, high-end wide receiver market, whether it’s Hopkins or like Denver’s Courtland Sutton,” Fowler said. “Uncertain whether they would pull the trigger on that sort of price point right now because it’s very high. But Hopkins, the issue is the compensation. Talking to other teams, they say that Arizona has wanted a second-round pick and more, maybe even as high as like a Christian McCaffrey package. We’re talking second-, third-, fourth-round picks. They will probably have to come off that to deal Hopkins, who has got $19 million in salary due to him. So, you still have teams like the Bills and the Chiefs and big-ticket teams that are at least looking, window shopping at potential options at receiver.” Hopkins’ Cardinals teammate, Budda Baker, also reportedly requested a trade from the organization

DeAndre Hopkins On Being Traded

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Ben Simmons’ Looming Fate In Brooklyn Revealed

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Ben Simmons has not been very good for the Brooklyn Nets. Overall, he was supposed to turn the Nets into a big three. This big three would include Kyrie Irving and Kevin Durant. However, we know how that turned out. Kyrie and KD are now in the Western Conference, while Simmons is by himself on a Nets team that has completely retooled. Moreover, Simmons has not been particularly good, and the team is starting to lose patience with him. Needless to say, things have gone bad to worse for his career.

On top of all of this, Simmons has reportedly been dealing with injury problems. However, his head coach Jacque Vaughn doesn’t seem all that convinced that there is an issue. That said, there now seems to be a lack of trust between Simmons and the Nets organization. This has made everything that much worse for the Nets who could very well be looking to move on from Ben in the offseason.

Ben Simmons On The Way Out?

Ben Simmons #10 of the Brooklyn Nets in action against the Detroit Pistons at Barclays Center on January 26, 2023 in New York City. (Photo by Mike Stobe/Getty Images)

According to Jake Fischer of Yahoo! Sports, Simmons’ fate is pretty well sealed. It is now very likely that the Nets will try to move him, even if it isn’t easy to do. “What becomes of Simmons and the final two years and nearly $80 million remaining on his contract after this season is of course another dynamic to monitor in Brooklyn,” Fischer wrote. “The Nets are widely expected to gauge what trade market could materialize for Simmons after his disappointing campaign comes to a close. The three-time All-Star is still far from the form he exhibited during his best days in Philadelphia.”

Recently, a report came out suggesting that Simmons had no trade value right now. If that is actually true, then the Nets are in big trouble moving forward. Once the offseason arrives, it will be very interesting to see what is made of Simmons. Until then, stay tuned to HNHH for the latest news and updates from around the sports world. Additionally, let us know which team you think might be a good fit for Simmons, in the comments down below.

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LeBron James Reacts To Kyrie Irving Trade: “Maybe It’s Me”

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LeBron James responded to the news that the Brooklyn Nets are sending Kyrie Irving to the Dallas Mavericks on Sunday. In a Twitter post, James pondered whether he’s to blame for the Lakers’ inability to acquire the eight-time NBA All-Star.

“Maybe It’s Me,” James tweeted. He and Irving previously played together on the Cleveland Cavaliers. There, the two led the team to its first NBA Finals victory in 2016. He’s been vocal about wanting the Lakers to make a move before the trade deadline in recent days.

LOS ANGELES, CA – NOVEMBER 29: LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers celebrates his three pointer during a 104-96 win over the Indiana Pacers at Staples Center on November 29, 2018 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)

“That’s a Rob question,” James said Saturday following the Lakers’ 131-126 loss to the New Orleans Pelicans. “You got to see him when y’all get back to L.A. I’ve told y’all a couple weeks, I don’t speak for our front office. My mindset is whatever lineup or whatever group that we have is to make sure we prepare ourselves the best way we can to go out and win. Obviously, that’s a — what’s the word you use — ‘duh’ question when you talk about a player like that.”

According to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski, the Nets felt the Mavericks’ deal would better position them to win now. The Lakers are believed to have included Russell Westbrook as well as a series of draft picks in their package. In exchange for Irving, the Nets will receive Dorian Finney-Smith, Spencer Dinwiddie, an unprotected 2029 first-round pick as well as second-round picks in 2027 and 2029.

The Lakers are currently 25-29 on the season, leaving them in 13th place in the Western Conference standings. The trade deadline is Thursday. If the team fails to make a move, they’ll be sticking it out with Russell Westbrook for the rest of the season as they fight for a playoff spot. Check out LeBron James’ recent tweet below.

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Lakers Trade For Rui Hachimura: Details

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If you have been watching the Los Angeles Lakers this season, then you know that they could use a lot of help. With Anthony Davis out of the lineup, the Lakers have been inconsistent. However, the Western Conference is pretty tight which is giving the purple and gold an opportunity to sneak into the postseason.

That said, the trade deadline is almost here and many have wondered what the Lakers will decide to do. Overall, the Lakers do not have a ton of assets, which makes it difficult for them to make deals. Regardless, it seems like Rob Pelinka may have just worked some magic.

Rui Hachimura #8 of the Washington Wizards looks on in the second half against the New York Knicks at Capital One Arena on January 13, 2023 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images)

Rui Hachimura To The Lakers

According to Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN, the Lakers have managed to acquire Rui Hachimura from the Washington Wizards. Hachimura was the ninth overall pick in 2019, and now, he is a Laker. In return, the Lakers will be giving up Kendrick Nunn, a second-round pick in 2023, and a second-round pick in 2029.

If you watched them play this year, you would know that Kendrick Nunn has largely struggled. There have been some games where he has gone completely scoreless. This simply isn’t good enough, however, the Wizards are taking him with open arms.

As Wojnarowski explained, there is a very good chance that the Lakers sign Hachimura in the summer. He is a player who has shown flashes of brilliance, and they clearly like what they see. Whether or not he makes an impact with them this season, still remains to be seen.

Let us know what you think of this trade from the Los Angeles Lakers, in the comments down below. Additionally, keep it locked to HNHH for more news from around the wide world of sports.

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LeBron James Clarifies Remarks On Potential Lakers’ Trade

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LeBron James has clarified his recent comments on the Lakers’ reluctance to trade first-round picks to improve the roster. In a pair of tweets published on Sunday, James clarified that his “patience isn’t waning.”

“Y’all know what the fuck should be happening,” James told the Athletic’s Sam Amick, before adding, “I don’t need to talk.”

LOS ANGELES, CA – NOVEMBER 29: LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers celebrates his three pointer during a 104-96 win over the Indiana Pacers at Staples Center on November 29, 2018 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)

Amick later shared the quote on social media, describing James’ patience with the organization as “waning.” Afterward, James responded with a clarification of his quote.

“Hey Sam actually my patience isn’t waning,” he wrote back. “You make it sound like I’m frustrated when I’m really not. I told you over and over, my job is focused on the guys in the locker room, my job isn’t the roster.”

He further wrote: “That’s the reality of that conversation and I said what I said with the upmost respect and calmness cause that’s the mood I’m in! Your welcome! 5 game winning streak.”

The Lakers are currently 19-21 on the season, several spots out of playoff contention in the Western Conference.

Following a five-game losing streak in December, James hinted at his future with the team being unclear.

“I’m a winner and I want to win. I want to win and give myself a chance to win, and still compete for championships,” James said. “Playing basketball at this level just to be playing basketball is not in my DNA. It’s not in my DNA anymore. We’ll see what happens and see how fresh my mind stays over the next couple years.”

Check out LeBron James’ tweet regarding his recent comments below.

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LeBron James Could Be Traded This Summer, Says NBA Insider

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LeBron James just turned 38 years old today. At this point, everyone knows that he is approaching the end of his career. In fact, he even spoke about retirement this week. However, it is clear that James can still play at a high level and that he is motivated to do big things.

Unfortunately, the Lakers have not given him the roster he needs to compete. There have been calls for the Lakers to make a move, however, they don’t seem to have the faculties to do that right now. If anything, they will have to wait until the offseason.

LeBron James #6 of the Los Angeles Lakers goes to the basket against Bam Adebayo #13 and Tyler Herro #14 of the Miami Heat during the fourth quarter of the game at FTX Arena on December 28, 2022 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Megan Briggs/Getty Images)

According to a report from Chris Mannix of Sports Illustrated, there is a scenario in which the Lakers would have to straight up trade LeBron James. Essentially, if they can’t secure free agents like Kyrie Irving or Draymond Green, then LeBron will have little reason to want to stay. Overall, it creates a bad situation for the Lakers.

LeBron James Trade?

Per Mannix:

“Let’s face it: LeBron James’s decision to extend his contract with the Lakers was a mistake. It was a mistake for James, who doesn’t need the guaranteed cash, pushing his deal through 2023–24 limited his leverage. It was also a mistake for L.A., which didn’t have the pieces to build a title contender around James and (this season, anyway) doesn’t have the flexibility to do anything with him.

“In an ideal world, the Lakers use the cap space created by Russell Westbrook’s exit next summer to sign Kyrie Irving or Draymond Green, flip a draft pick or two and vault back into contention next season. But if that doesn’t happen, can the Lakers really go into 2023 with James, Anthony Davis and whatever group of castoffs they can assemble around them? Would James want to? Dealing James would take some chutzpah, but if L.A. whiffs on big-ticket items next offseason, is there really a better choice?”

LeBron James #6 of the Los Angeles Lakers warms up prior to a game against the Miami Heat at FTX Arena on December 28, 2022 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Megan Briggs/Getty Images)

It seems unfathomable that LeBron would be traded. However, even Wayne Gretzky was traded. At the end of the day, everyone has their own interests and if LeBron and the Lakers don’t align, then they must part ways.

Let us know what you think about this possibility, in the comments below. Additionally, stay tuned to HNHH for more news from around the sports world.

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