Expose Lillard's dissatisfaction with the Blazers! The two sides officially met to discuss the future The team had tried to bring in Zionsicka
Beijing time on June 27, according to Chris Haynes, Lillard will meet with general manager Joe Cronin today to discuss the team's future plans, Hayne also said that Lillard does not want to join a "crowded" team, does not want to go to a team with three All-Stars or superstars, just wants to go to a team with a chance to compete for the championship. Portland's local outlet The Oregonian confirmed the news and exposed more details.
According to sources, the relationship between Lillard and the Blazers remains solid, but the team's failure to transform the prospect into an experienced star has left Lillard unhappy and dissatisfied. Of course, the Blazers can still look for reinforcements in the free agency market, and there are assets that can be traded to get a star.
However, in Lillard's view, the scouting is the biggest chip in the team's hands, and he hopes that this chip will become an instant combat power, and he has no interest in waiting for young people to grow. But general manager Cronin said all the offers he received on draft night weren't enough for him to drop Henderson. In addition, the Blazers also used the first-round No. 23 pick to draft forward Chris Murray, and did not trade this pick.
Although the 19-year-old Henderson is very talented, it will be difficult for him to raise the Blazers to the level of the championship in the short term, not to mention that his position overlaps with Lillard.
The Oregon reported that the Blazers had been discussing a deal for the Raptors' Siakam and the Pelicans' Zion, but ultimately the deal failed to complete because the two teams had high asking prices, and they asked for too much additional compensation in addition to the prospects, which Cronin could not accept.
Lillard's displeasure is justified, after all, the Blazers' current operation does not seem to make the team a championship team. Sam Amick spoke about Lillard's stay.
What can the Blazers do to convince Lillard that Portland remains the perfect place for the rest of his career? From Lillard's perspective, this should be a well-known ideal scenario, re-signing Grant first, and signing a four-time All-Star and four-time championship winner in free agency. Chase has turned down a $27.5 million player option and became a full free agent for the first time in his career, and Grant will also become a full free agent when his contract expires.
Sam Amick also said Lillard has "a lot of interest" in joining the Miami Heat. Lillard's contract has four years left to expire, with a salary of $45.64 million for the 2023-24 season, $48.79 million for the 2024-25 season, $58.55 million for the 2025-26 season and $63.32 million for the 2026-27 season.