The Portland Trail Blazers accepted the reality that they would have to trade their superstar Damian Lillard this offseason. However, this doesn’t mean that Blazers are ready to accept any offer that comes their way.
Aaron Fentress of The Oregonian recently reported that the Blazers are looking for a king’s ransom from teams interested in trading for Lillard. According to Fentress, Portland’s front office has set an asking price of at least four first-round selections and two quality players.
Of course, not many teams would be able to put up a package like this, which is why three-team trade is becoming increasingly likely for Lillard. It is also one of the reasons why there haven’t been any advanced talks despite the fact that the player asked to be traded more than a week ago.
Trail Blazers’ general manager Joe Cronin recently told ESPN that the team will not rush the deal.
“We’re going to be patient. We’re going to do what’s best for our team,” Cronin said. “We’re going to see how this lands. And if it takes months, it takes months.”
Reportedly, Lillard has made it clear that his preferred destination is the Miami Heat. However, the Blazers are not expected to look kindly of Miami’s offer just because of that. They want to get the best possible assets in order to have an easier rebuild task that looks imminent after Lillard leaves the franchise.
Lillard spent his entire professional career with the Blazers. He made seven All-Star teams during that time while helping Portland to one NBA Western Conference Finals appearance.
