Report: Trail Blazers “Unmotivated” To Engage With Miami Heat In Damian Lillard Trade Talks Thus Far

By 750 The Game Staff

“If it takes months, it takes months.”

Joe Cronin’s ever-intentional phrasing this week in Las Vegas may be more than just strategy.

As the trade speculation continues to swirl around Damian Lillard — who publicly requested a trade out of Portland back on July 1st and specified Miami as his preferred trade destination — the passing days show it will not be easy for Miami to seal the deal.

Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald published a tweet Friday suggesting Blazers general manager Joe Cronin has shown little to no interest in completing a trade with Pat Riley anytime soon.

JOE CRONIN’S HONESTY, ACCOUNTABILITY IS REFRESHING AMID DAME DRAMA.

“As of midweek, Portland had been unmotivated to engage with Heat or try to get this done,” wrote Jackson.

The Oregonian’s Aaron Fentress made previous comments on his Blazer Focused podcast saying Miami was close to offering what the Trail Blazers would want in a Lillard deal, highlighted by four first-round picks and at least a couple of young, intriguing players.

Whether or not Miami indeed is close with their offer, Fentress also pointed out that talks have not progressed much in the last couple of days.

“Maybe they hope this plays out like Durant last summer & they cajole him to start season with team,” Jackson continued in his post. “If so, then it’s in Dame’s hands, whether he reports to camp, makes public comment etc.”

The Trail Blazers seem content to continue to wait and be selective and patient in when and with whom they decide to engage in Lillard trade talks.  The franchise’s all-time leading scorer has made his South Beach preference all-too clear. Cronin said while he hopes he can make a deal that all sides can be happy with, he knows that does not always happen, and he’ll be ready for the unexpected.

MIAMI HEAT ‘PRETTY CLOSE’ TO OFFERING WHAT BLAZERS WANT IN LILLARD TRADE, REPORT

As of midweek, Portland had been unmotivated to engage with Heat or try to get this done. Maybe they hope this plays out like Durant last summer & they cajole him to start season with team. If so, then it’s in Dame’s hands, whether he reports to camp,makes public comment etc https://t.co/CCZOZBYRuV

— Barry Jackson (@flasportsbuzz) July 14, 2023

@750TheGame