NBA: A surprise franchise gets ahead of the Lillard file

In a few days, training camp will begin for all NBA franchises. For now, no one really knows where Damian Lillard will be when the time comes. The leader of the Blazers wants to leave Portland for Florida and the Miami Heat, but his franchise does not see it that way and is currently negotiating with another major power in the league to find a solution that suits everyone.

This week, it would be the Toronto Raptors who would be the favorites to acquire the superstar of Portland Trail Blazers, Damian Lillard. Its information relayed by ESPN confirm that the Oregon franchise is absolutely not interested in the assets offered by the Heat. Indeed, as the specialized American media revealed earlier, in the three months that have passed since the leader’s request was made public, no substantial conversation has taken place between the two teams.

Damian Lillard names his favorite NBA player https://t.co/WbiLXOFNZg pic.twitter.com/vsWEhX4uHS

— le10sport (@le10sport) September 21, 2023

No agreement found

However, although the Raptors have had recent conversations with Portland about Lillard, no pact would be imminent. In reality, the Blazers trying to raise the stakes. An offer of Raptors could include the team’s offensive star Pascal I’m sorryas well as Scottie Barnesrookie of the year 2022, O.G. Anunobywho is eligible for a contract extension, and the recently drafted Gradey Dick.

An outcome before next week?

As confirmed by several sources, the interest of Raptors for Portland’s All-Star point guard is real, although he’s “ a little overkill at this point. » The two NBA executives interviewed by ESPN stated that they expected Lillard be traded before media day, which takes place on October 2 for most teams. In addition to Toronto and Miami, BucksTHE CelticsTHE Sixers and the Bulls have also expressed interest since the initial request for Lillard. To be continued…