Damian Lillard's Trade Beyond the Heat Isn't a Snub

• NBA

Damian Lillard's ongoing trade saga, which began in July when he expressed his wish to play for the Miami Heat, continues to dominate NBA conversations. As the third month of this drama unfolds, the relationship between Portland Trail Blazers fans and Miami Heat supporters is at an all-time high, fueling debates and controversies.

It's known that Portland aims to finalize Lillard's trade before the league's training camps commence on October 2nd. Recent developments suggest three things: Firstly, communication between the Blazers and the Heat has been virtually non-existent for a while.

Secondly, Lillard’s bidding isn't limited to Miami - it's open season for other teams. Lastly, whispers around the league indicate the Toronto Raptors might emerge as the top contender to acquire the superstar guard.

Lillard's Legacy and Choices

The heart of this story revolves around Lillard’s legacy with the Trail Blazers.

Is he the franchise's greatest player? Many believe so. Some, including popular figures like ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith, find the idea of Lillard joining the Raptors absurd. The sentiment is clear: if Lillard's goal is a championship, a move to Toronto won’t make much of a difference compared to staying in Portland.

However, Portland’s responsibility to Lillard is twofold: They must ensure they receive significant value for their franchise player while also acknowledging Lillard's wishes and the substantial contract they owe him - a whopping $216 million over the next four years.

Lillard’s predicament brings to light a prevalent trend among NBA superstars. Players, in the likes of Kevin Durant and LeBron James in the past, chose free agency as their ticket to new teams. This traditional route has been overshadowed as stars now often re-sign for the best financial package only to later request trades when championship aspirations wane.

James Harden's journey from the Brooklyn Nets to the Philadelphia 76ers highlights this changing dynamic. With Lillard's situation as a backdrop, the future of superstar negotiations is uncertain. Players like Giannis Antetokounmpo and Donovan Mitchell have refrained from extensions, while others like Joel Embiid might consider free agency instead of settling.

If Lillard lands somewhere other than Miami, future players might choose direct free agency, bypassing the trade drama. As the narrative unfolds, a pivotal aspect remains: The Heat must present the most compelling trade package for Lillard.

Discussions around potential trades involving Miami's Tyler Herro or Toronto's OG Anunoby miss the point. The onus is on the Heat to outbid competitors substantially. While Lillard's public statement about his desired destination is valid, it's ultimately up to the Trail Blazers to decide his fate.

The Blazers retain the upper hand in negotiations, and unless Miami produces the best offer, Portland has no obligation to accept anything less.