In an appearance on the “Sports By Northwest” podcast by The Oregonian, ESPN’s Marc Spears gave an update on Damian Lillard’s trade request. Spears said Lillard is still focused on getting to the Miami Heat, but that Jayson Tatum has tried to recruit the star guard to the Boston Celtics.
“He’s kind of got that kind of like military basketball mentality. He wants to work. Also, the stability of the organization, the winning, like they’ve been to the Finals what, seven times since 2006? Obviously, Bam, and Jimmy helps, no State tax helps, sunshine helps,” Spears said of Lillard and his desire to play for the Heat. “And I think at 33 years old, he looks at the landscape of the West and it’s like Mmmm… I think my chances are better to go out East, and if Miami is able to make the Finals without somebody like myself, what can they do with me?’ So, you don’t make that move unless it’s certainly a calculated risk. And I know that Boston, I know Jayson Tatum has called him, try to get in his ear, but his focus is definitely on Miami.”
Lillard made a request to the Portland Trail Blazers to be traded shortly before NBA free agency opened this summer. The Heat emerged as an immediate suitor, but have been unable to put together an enticing enough package for the Blazers. Despite that, Spears believes the Portland star still ends up in Miami before training camp opens.