He demanded a trade a few weeks ago but Damian Lillard is still officially a member of the Portland Trail Blazers.
Lillard allegedly wants to head to the Miami Heat but his current team hasn’t moved quickly to make that happen.
And they might continue to drag their feet.
That means that Lillard could still be a Blazer when their training camp starts in August.
What will happen then?
NBA insider Chris Haynes spoke about this on the “thisleagueUNCUT” podcast, via Dru on Twitter, and he didn’t have a clear answer.
“I don’t know [if Dame shows up at Blazers camp]. I’ve talked to him on just a few occasions, giving him space. I don’t know if he knows the answer to that,” Haynes said.
“To be honest, I don’t know [if Dame shows up at Blazers camp]. I’ve talked to him on just a few occasions, giving him space. I don’t know if he knows the answer to that. He obviously would want a resolution quicker than later. I just don’t know that’s anytime soon”-@ChrisBHaynes pic.twitter.com/jPVTBEPpwO
— Dru (@dru_star) July 21, 2023
This would put Lillard in a very awkward, uncomfortable, but perhaps inevitable situation.
For years now, his loyalty to the Blazers has been second-to-none and he has fought hard for them through thick and thin.
But now that he wants out, he really wants out.
The idea of Lillard returning to training camp for a team that he wants to leave sounds bizarre but would he really not show up?
How would that look to the other players, who presumably remain close to him?
And how would it look to the fans who have ravenously rooted him on over the years?
Lillard has always been the utmost professional.
Just how far will that professionalism go?
No matter what lies ahead for him, this could be Lillard’s last chance of showing loyalty and fondness for the only team he’s played for.
Attending training camp, even though he is trying to depart, could end things on a positive note.
Or it could just lead to endless rumors about him remaining in Portland.
Lillard has already made his choice to leave the Blazers.
But he might soon have to make a choice about attending their training camp.
NEXT:
Insider Gives Update On Damian Lillard’s Potential Trade
