Even though Damian Lillard made an effort to stay at the Portland Trail Blazers for as long as he could, it looks like he’s had enough. At 32, the guard seems to have given up as he requested a trade ahead of the 2023-24 NBA season.
Dame, however, doesn’t want to go anywhere. According to reports, he is only interested in joining the Miami Heat, where everyone believes he will have a legitimate chance to succeed.
Though many thought the Blazers would grant his wishes, it doesn’t work that way. Of course, the team is considering his desire to be traded to Miami, but the front office doesn’t look happy about it.
Blazers GM Joe Cronin subtly calls out Damian Lillard for limiting trade partners
“As a team, you always hope that you have more options. To have limited options like that, I wouldn’t call it frustrating but it prevents you from perhaps getting the best return,” Blazers general manager Joe Cronin said, via Anthony Chiang of the Miami Herald.
At the end of the day, this is a business. So, even if Lillard endured a lot during his time in the Rip City, the Blazers are not letting him go so easily. Maybe it’s just a matter of time before he finally moves to South Florida, but Portland first wants to get as much as it can in return.
Martin O'Donnell is a bilingual sports writer fluent in English and Spanish, currently serving as the Managing Editor of Bolavip. He began his journey with the website in February 2021, making a name for himself through comprehensive coverage of multiple sports, including NFL and soccer, with a specialty in original content and real-time reporting of major events such as the World Cup, UEFA Champions League finals, and the Super Bowl. In June 2024, Martin took on the role of Subeditor, where he excelled in overseeing the publication of stories, assisting staff writers, and ensuring content quality. His prior experience includes managing social media for CONMEBOL Libertadores and Sudamericana in English and Spanish, as well as reporting on Brazilian football for Sambafoot. Known for his meticulous attention to detail and ability to capture breaking news, Martin has consistently been a valuable asset to the Bolavip team, especially during crucial sports seasons involving trades, playoffs, and finals. Now, as the Managing Editor since May 2025, Martin brings his extensive experience and keen editorial sense to lead Bolavip’s team, driving the website's growth and ensuring it remains a top source for sports news and analysis with interviews and exclusive content.
