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The Portland Trail Blazers have made it clear that they’re in no rush to trade Damian Lillard.
GM Joe Cronin stated that negotiations could last months, and it wouldn’t be the first time we’ve seen something similar.
Moreover, some reports state that the Blazers are playing the long game, hoping that Lillard will take his trade request back and agree to stay.
Lillard is still adamant about being traded to the Miami Heat, but ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith believes he would be better off somewhere else.
In the latest edition of “First Take,” the famous pundit shared his five reasons why he should force his way to the New York Knicks instead.
.@stephenasmith gives us ALL the reasons Dame should play for the Knicks 👀
1. Knicks assets > Heat assets2. NYC attracts talent3. Randle will adjust4. Dame/Brunson can coexist5. MSG is the Mecca pic.twitter.com/QafTvr3401
— First Take (@FirstTake) July 25, 2023
First, he talked about Madison Square Garden being the Mecca of basketball, citing that picking up wins there will have a much different feeling, not to mention the star-studded crowds he’ll play in front of.
He later talked about how he and Jalen Brunson can coexist, as they are both elite point guards and closers who excel under pressure, adding that Tom Thibodeau could find a way to make up for their lack of size on defense.
Then, he addressed Julius Randle’s situation, predicting that he’d gladly adjust to a lesser role with a new star in town, just like he did upon Brunson’s arrival.
Obviously, he also raved about the city and how it could attract free agents, something that hasn’t happened in Portland since he’s been there.
Last, but not least, Stephen A. talked about how the Knicks could offer a superior trade package compared to the Heat, putting an end to this stalemate right away.
Now, whether Lillard will listen to him and change his mind remains to be seen.
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