Portland Trail Blazers star point guard Damian Lillard's future in “Rip City” is in question, and a number of teams are already hoping to capitalize on his uncertain status.
Stephen A. Smith of ESPN reported on First Take that several teams have made contact with the Blazers regarding a possible Lillard trade. Among those teams are the New York Knicks, Los Angeles Clippers and Miami Heat. Smith also hinted the Los Angeles Lakers had expressed interest:
“Several calls have come (the Blazers') way. You got a lot of teams — about six or seven different teams — who believe they can get their hands on him, they think they've got a shot,” Smith said, via Danny Abriano of SNY.tv. “One of them includes the Knicks, who are scheduled to have about $75 million in cap space along with some picks. But also, the Clippers, the Miami Heat. And who knows what the Lakers may try to do. Stay tuned.”
The full clip can be seen below.
https://twitter.com/MikeGoldFool/status/1400823385576206344
Lillard has been on the record about his loyalty to the Blazers franchise numerous times throughout the years. However, the fashion in which Portland lost to the Denver Nuggets and the Blazers' lack of playoff success is prompting questions.
Indeed, Lillard himself posted a cryptic Instagram following Thursday's season-ending loss to the Nuggets. Will another contender make a big splash for the Blazers star in the offseason?
The Knicks might have the easiest route in terms of having the cap space and draft picks. However, there is no guaranteeing the Blazers will be willing to deal “Dame Time,” nor is it certain Lillard is really intent on leaving.
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