Damian Lillard trade demand to continue to fall on DEAF EARS as Trail Blazers REFUSE to engage with Heat

Portland Trail Blazers are not willing to trade Damian Lillard to the Miami Heat, despite his request.

Damian Lillard trade demand to continue to fall on DEAF EARS as Trail Blazers REFUSE to engage with Heat

Portland Trail Blazers' Damian Lillard (Via Twitter)

Damian Lillard wants out of Portland, but the Trail Blazers are not listening. According to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski, the star point guard asked for a trade to the Miami Heat, but the Trail Blazers have no intention of granting his wish anytime soon.

“They’re certainly in no rush to go do a deal with Miami—it would need a third team to take on Tyler Herro. I think it’s just going to take time,” Wojnarowski said on SportsCenter. The Trail Blazers are holding out for the best possible return for their franchise player, who has been one of the most loyal and productive stars in the league.

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Portland general manager Joe Cronin issued a statement shortly after Lillard’s request, saying that the team is “open for business everywhere in the league” and that they are “committed to winning” and will do “what’s best for the team in pursuit of that goal.”

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Related: Jimmy Butler and Heat will become WORSE with Damian Lillard, warns Paul Pierce

Heat’s pursuit of Damian Lillard hits roadblock as Trail Blazers play hardball

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Damian Lillard of the Portland Trailblazers (Via Getty Images)

While the Trail Blazers are playing hardball, the Heat are left in limbo as they wait for a resolution on the Lillard situation. The Heat have reportedly prepared a package that is centered around Herro, Duncan Robinson, and draft compensation, per Chris Haynes. But they would likely need a third team involved to reroute Herro, who Portland does not seem to be very interested in.

Some people around the league believe that Lillard’s determination to play for the Heat may scare off some potential suitors, as they don’t want to deal with an unhappy player. But that may not be enough to sway the Trail Blazers, who have no obligation to honor Lillard’s request and can hold onto him until they get an offer they can’t refuse.

The Heat may have to wait until the trade deadline or even next offseason to have a chance at acquiring Damian Lillard, who still has two years left on his contract. In the meantime, the Heat have limited options to improve their roster, as most of the free agents and draft picks are off the market.

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