Through no fault of their own, the Portland Trail Blazers may very well be backed into a corner with Damian Lillard trade talks per the latest NBA Rumors.
The Blazers need leverage, which is why they are open to trading Damian Lillard to another contender, rather than his preferred destination in South Beach.
Lillard's agency has gone out of their way to ensure opposing clubs know that the star player could be unhappy were he dealt anywhere but Miami, but the idea of Dame sitting out meaningful basketball games is unrealistic. Lillard lives and breathes basketball. He can't put his competitive drive on the bench.
NBA Rumors: Heat gain more leverage in Damian Lillard trade talks
Portland has run into a roadblock in trade talks with other teams. Organizations like the Celtics and Nets, for example, don't want to deal young, established stars for Lillard, especially when there's no guarantee he'll be happy anywhere but Miami.
Per Matt Moore of Action Network:
"No one else has been willing to seriously engage the Blazers on a deal outside of the Heat. The aggressive posturing being performed by Dame's representation has been successful in that regard.
The Celtics aren't including Jaylen Brown. The Nets aren't including Mikal Bridges and can't include Cam Johnson after signing him to an extension. Blue-chip prospects are not being floated for Lillard, which might prompt a change in approach from Portland."
With that in mind, the Blazers must turn back to the Heat, which currently have the best offer on the table. That trade could involve a young player like Tyler Herro, and a number of decent-but-unappealing first-round selections.
The best and most likely outcome is that the Heat and Blazers find a way to involve a third team, which could increase the return coming Portland's way.
General managers placed in this light often only receive one opportunity to trade a star like Lillard. Joe Cronin feels all the pressure right now.
