Title: Damian Lillard Trade Request Puts Blazers in Position to Seek Maximum Value
Date: July 6, 2023
Written by: Adrian Wojnarowski, Senior NBA Insider
General Manager Joe Cronin of the Portland Trail Blazers is determined to secure the highest possible return for star guard Damian Lillard, who recently requested a trade from the team. Despite Lillard’s desire to join the Miami Heat, Cronin has made it clear that the Blazers will not simply hand Lillard over to his preferred destination. The team’s ownership intends to honor Lillard’s trade request but is insisting on receiving a deep return of valuable assets.
Executives who have spoken to Cronin describe him as a pragmatic decision-maker, solely focused on the long-term success of the franchise. While Lillard’s agent, Aaron Goodwin, has been cautioning potential trade partners about his client’s unhappiness, general managers remain undeterred. They recognize that having Lillard under contract for four more years gives them the assurance that he will continue to perform at a high level.
The difficulty in trading Lillard lies in the massive contract extension he signed with the Blazers just a year ago. Some teams see this extension, which includes a $60 million average annual salary when Lillard is 35 and 36 years old, as a potential burden on their salary cap. Therefore, the Blazers are demanding a package that reflects Lillard’s stature as a top-10 to top-15 player in the league.
The Miami Heat have emerged as a potential trade partner, offering two first-round picks, five years of first-round pick swaps, and young players Nikola Jovic and Jaime Jaquez Jr. However, the Blazers are exploring the possibility of involving a third team that would be willing to take on Tyler Herro’s contract extension. In return, that team would receive a good first-round pick from the Blazers.
Other teams, such as the Utah Jazz and the LA Clippers, have expressed interest in acquiring Lillard, but the Heat’s package currently stands as one of the most competitive. Given Miami’s recent lack of playoff success, they have fewer high-value draft picks to offer, making it crucial for the Blazers to secure a combination of assets and promising young players as seen in previous blockbuster trade deals.
Due to these circumstances, a trade involving Lillard may take longer to materialize. Cronin plans to use the Las Vegas Summer League as an opportunity to meet with interested teams and gauge their sincerity in negotiating a trade. The Blazers are determined to maximize the return on their investment and ensure that any deal aligns with their long-term plans.
As the trade talks progress, small-market teams like the Utah Jazz may become potential trade partners, armed with draft picks and developing young talent. While Lillard may not fit the Jazz’s timeline, other teams may be willing to part with multiple assets in exchange for a star player. Eventual deals may be influenced by the muddled uncertainty of the trade process, with some teams hoping to secure a star player through restrained offers and mild upgrades.
Ultimately, the success of the trade rests in Cronin’s hands. He faces the challenge of finding the perfect deal that aligns with the Blazers’ vision for the future. Should a suitable trade fail to materialize this summer, it will require immense strength to turn down Miami’s offer, reintegrate Lillard into the team, and begin the season on uncertain terms.
In the coming weeks, the Blazers and potential trade partners will navigate through negotiations, assessing the value of assets and gauging the willingness of both parties to make concessions. While Lillard’s trade request has created a sense of urgency, all parties involved understand the importance of getting the deal right rather than rushing the process.
This trade has the potential to shape the future of both the Trail Blazers and the team that acquires Damian Lillard. With the stakes high, all eyes are on Joe Cronin as he navigates one of the most significant trades in his NBA career.