08 June 2023 , 17:09
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Damian Lillard's mind is clear; he is committed to trying to win with the Portland Trail Blazers despite rampant trade speculation over the years. But that hasn't stopped him having his say on a few potential landing spots should push come to shove – including NBA finalists the Miami Heat.
The 32-year-old has been outstanding for Portland since being drafted in 2012, leading them on eight straight playoff campaigns before missing out on the post-season in the past two years.
With the seven-time All-Star entering the back end of his prime, time is running out to add a championship ring to an impressive resume of individual accolades but he faces the prospect of spending the final years of his peak on a small-market team in the midst of a rebuilt.
But the point guard's loyalty to a franchise to which he has delivered many memorable moments is clear, and with a couple of first-round picks in the NBA Draft in two weeks' time – including the third overall selection which could be spent on a highly-rated prospect like Scoot Henderson or Brandon Miller – Lillard is willing to give it a chance.
"I think I've made it clear what my wishes are," he told The Last Stand podcast. I want to have the opportunity to win in Portland, and right now we’ve got an opportunity asset-wise to build a team that can compete.
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"That would be the number one thing, but if we can't do that, then obviously, like I've said for months now, then it's a separate conversation that we would have to have."
Lillard's willingness to be patient is product not only of the decade he has spent with the team, but also the fully-guaranteed four-year contract he signed with the team in 2021 and he is set to earn close to $100million across the next two seasons.
Damian Lillard averaged 32 points and seven assists per game in 2022/23. (Alika Jenner/Getty Images)But after back-to-back 13th-place finishes in the Western Conference, another lowly season could spell the end for Lillard's time in Oregon, and he would have no shortage of suitors if he were made available for trade after averaging 32 points and seven assists a night in 2022/23.
Lillard was asked for his thoughts on four potential trade destinations: the Miami Heat, Boston Celtics, Brooklyn Nets and New York Knicks. His response was immediate.
"Miami, obviously," Lillard laughed. "Miami is the obvious one and Bam is my dog for real. Miami is the obvious one, Brooklyn is another obvious one because Mikal Bridges is my dog, too, and both have capable rosters."
For now, Lillard is giving the front office in Portland the chance to rebuild, but if he cannot see significant progress around him on the floor next season, trade talk is certain to intensify.