At this point, it seems pretty safe to say disgruntled Portland Trail Blazers star Damian Lillard is exerting the maximum pressure he is able to muster, letting intel slip to key media members that makes it clear the Blazers point guard will be happy only with a trade to the Miami Heat.
More evidence of this arose again in the last 24 hours. In an interview with the “Dan Patrick Show,” Bleacher Report’s Chris Haynes reiterated that Lillard has no interest in suiting up for the Boston Celtics.
“He’s not doing Boston. He’s not. I don’t see that,” said Haynes via ClutchPoints.
“You can confidently report that Dame doesn’t want to go to Boston?” asked the eponymous show host.
“I think that’s pretty safe to say,” came the reply from Haynes.
🚨NEW CELTICS LAB PODCAST 🚨@CelticsLab sat down with @GlobeChadFinn
to talk about NE sports, his new Red Sox book, a Celtics book in the works, & a Boston roster that feels very unfinished. Check it out!Sponsored by @FDSportsbook @betterhelp pic.twitter.com/5aZmSbVeWH
— Dr. Justin Quinn (@justinquinnn) July 11, 2023
Given Lillard’s contract situation and the Celtics’ roster construction, what either party wants may be far less important than what Portland’s front office and potential third teams may desire in any protective Lillard swap.
But, it is also another data point to consider. The Athletic’s Shams Charania reported much the same sentiment as well as an undisclosed level of interest from the Celtics. Could there be something afoot here, or is this simply prime silly season in action? Only time will tell.
Listen to the “Celtics Lab” podcast on:
Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3zBKQY6
Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3GfUPFi
YouTube: https://bit.ly/3F9DvjQ
