Lillard's game with the Blazers: He's not Harden and he's not James

This article was compiled from: CBS Sports

Written by James Herbert

原标题：What do the Portland Trail Blazers owe Damian Lillard?

Lillard finally decided to part ways with the Blazers, and the game between the two sides began-

The Blazers were willing to send Lillard away, but didn't want to satisfy his request to go to the Heat. Lillard's agent Goodwin also began to take action, telling teams interested in getting Lillard that if they traded to Lillard, they would be trading for an unhappy player because he had already made the decision to go to the Heat.

NBA executives generally agree that Lillard's contract will last at least until the 2026-27 season, a $63.2 million player option that he will play hard no matter where he is. Blazers general manager Cronin only wants to do what's good for the team, which means Lillard's trade talks could drag on for months to complete as he carefully evaluates every possible deal to see how to maximize the Blazers' benefits.

Lillard is the Blazers' all-time scoring champion and arguably the best player in franchise history, having spent 11 seasons with the Blazers, signing three contract extensions, and always hoping to lead the team to its first championship since 1977. However, the operation of the Blazers' management has left him with no hope, and he finally came up with a mind and just wanted to go to the Heat.

So what chips can the Heat offer in exchange for Lillard?

Hiro is the main bargaining chip, even if the Blazers have no interest in getting him, and a third party is needed. In addition to this, attractive young players are expected to include Jovic and Jaime Hax Jr., and the Heat can also offer a first-round pick in 2028 and 2030, as well as five first-round swaps. However, the deal involving these players will not be completed until August 1.

The Heat can also send out three second-round picks, and the Blazers' bargaining space includes: Are the Heat willing to give up Martin? Will the Heat get Nurkic from the Blazers too? Will Lowry and Dunro join the trade as well?

The best reward for the Blazers would be the Heat to give them a few rookie contracts, three first-rounders, three swaps and three second-rounders, a veteran with a team-friendly contract, and Martin. Still, are the Heat willing to pay so much for Lillard? When Lillard's annual salary reached more than $60 million, he was already a 36-year-old veteran.

Lillard is not the Harden of the Rockets era. On the day the Rockets fulfilled Harden's trade request, owner Feltita asked Harden if he would like the Nets or go to the 76ers, and if the Blazers also got two equally acceptable offers, would they ask Lillard the same? Of course, they may not be in that position, and there may not be the Heat in those two teams. Don't forget that Harden's relationship with the Rockets remains strong, and Blazers general manager Cronin has been described as "ruthless" by executives from other teams.

Lillard is also not the James of the Cavaliers. At that time, James signed short contracts with the team many times to put pressure on the Cavaliers management, and if the roster was not strong enough, he was not far from becoming a free agent. What about Lillard? Before his contract ended, he signed a two-year, $122 million contract extension with the Blazers, who could have become a free agent at the end of the 2023-24 season and take the initiative into his own hands. It was he himself who gave up these rights in order to obtain greater security.

For the Blazers, Lillard's era is doomed, it's just a matter of time. Will he join the Heat as he wishes?