Portland Trail Blazers are looking to trade Damian Lillard before the training camp begins on October 3, as reported by Bleacher Report.
Lillard is hopeful of being traded to the Miami Heat, but Portland has not yet received an offer they consider worthwhile for sending their franchise cornerstone, opening the door for other teams to try to acquire the 33-year-old point guard.
Reports emerged on Wednesday that the Blazers’ “recent focus has been on discussions with other teams rather than Miami.” However, it is also noted that “if Lillard is traded to another team, he is expected to request a trade to the Heat.”
Portland’s coach, Chauncey Billups, has spoken about Lillard’s status and acknowledged that if an agreement is not reached between the two parties, this situation could disrupt the team’s chemistry.
“It’s obviously disruptive, but all I can do is give my all for the players that are here,” Billups said, adding:
“I don’t know how it’s going to play out. There’s nothing I can control. But I know who’s here right now and who I’ve been working with this summer, who I’m excited about. All I can really do is be fully committed to our guys. And we’ll see what happens when it happens.“
Time is running out for Portland to reach an agreement with the seven-time NBA All-Star player, as his presence in the team during preparations would undoubtedly create an uncomfortable situation within the club.