The Portland Trail Blazers have received an ultimatum from their talisman Damian Lillard. The superstar guard wants to compete for Championships and not be a part of a rebuild setup. However, the current setup in Portland is exactly a rebuild composition and they have the upcoming number three draft pick and are looking to build their team around him and Lillard.
Reports according to Bleacher Report’s Chris Hayne suggest that Lillard has given an ultimatum to Portland to bring in supporting players who can help him compete for the Championships and not go into another rebuild cycle of grooming youngsters. He has clearly said that he does not want to play with youngsters anymore.
“Dame has made it clear that he wants to compete for a championship, and he wants to continue and he wants a roster that can get him there,” Haynes revealed.
“He wants that now, he does not want to wait, he does not want to go to a rebuild, doesn’t want to continue to play with younger guys to help them grow and get to that point he wants to win,” Haynes added.
Lillard has been patient with Portland for so long. While the star point guard was wanted by so many franchises but he resisted his temptation and showed his loyalty to the franchise. But Portland have not rewarded him with big signings. They have not shown urgency in the market to land superstars, the ones that can compliment him and help them win a Championship.
There are some speculation around Lillard moving elsewhere especially after his ultimatum. But the Trail Blazers have no intention to trade Lillard. They are more concerned with their No. 3 draft pick.
“Lillard, by all accounts, prefers to remain with Portland, and the Trail Blazers have not shown any willingness to discuss the seven-time All-Star with inquiring teams.”
There are major chances that Portland will trade their no. 3 pick for a veteran to fulfill Lillard’s wishes. One such name that has popped up in discussion is Miami Heat’s Bam Adebayo.
According to Yahoo Sports’ reporter Jake Fischer Portland are preparing a massive trade deal for the Miami Heat big man. “Portland has been exploring avenues to deal the No. 3 pick, but in a draft that scouts have deemed holds three top prospects, the Blazers are strongly valuing their selection in talks with opposing teams,” Fischer stated.
Portland will only part with their number three draft pick only if they get one of their desired veterans in return.
Portland were ranked 28th in the team defensive rating for last season. So their interest in Adebayo makes sense as the big man will provide exceptional defensive ability and will level up their defence just by his presence.
However, the ball still lies in Miami Heat’s court as it will be interesting to see if they agree to any of Portland’s deals for their superstar big man.
