Charles Barkley’s brutal statement has shaken up the drawn-out debate on Damian Lillard’s potential exit from the Portland Trail Blazers. Lillard turned the NBA world’s attention before the offseason with his departure hints. And while several analysts and media reports predicted Dame’s future franchise, the NBA legend shut off the noise with harsh words. 

A trade report suggested that the 7x NBA All-Star is interested in the Miami Heat franchise. Another report revealed that the star would have ended up with the Golden State Warriors if not for the Chris Paul trade. However, Dame is yet to find a spot to leave the Blazers and Chuck’s recent statement came in as an eyeopener. 

Charles Barkley takes on the Damian Lillard trade fiasco

It all began when Damian Lillard hinted to force a trade after a disappointing regular season finishing at the 13th seed. Dame’s cryptic social media activities and trade reports further amplified the intensity of the trade. Despite the heightened media attention and his basketball prowess, the star is yet to find a team. Importantly, Charles Barkley revealed the reason for this situation. 

Barkley appeared for a quick interview on ESPN amid his participation in the American Century Golf Championship. During the quick chat, the host asked Chuck’s opinion on the Dame Lillard situation. The Phoenix Suns legend straight away put himself in the shoes of the Blazers management and said that he wouldn’t give away a star player for nothing in return. He added, “He wants to go to Miami. That’s not a good fit for him for what they can give back.” 

Furthermore, he predicted that Dame would either play for Rip City or wouldn’t take the court next season.

Read More: Weeks After Damian Lillard Shut Doors on Loyalty, Former Trailblazer Teammate Sheds Light on 7X NBA All-Star’s “Long Overdue” Exit

While Chuck gave away a harsh statement without any hesitation, an ESPN reporter predicted an alternate possibility

Will the Dubs have a chance with Dame?

While Lillard and James Harden are still available in the market, NBA franchises could be finding their ways to land these superstars in their teams.

Similarly, veteran ESPN reporter, Frank Isola, predicted a dramatic twist in the tale for the new Warriors star Chris Paul. According to Isola, the Warriors could trade out Paul in the final moments to trade in either of the superstars.

Watch This Story: Damian Lillard Drops a Time Bomb About his NBA Future

Irrespective of the team that Damian Lillard is going to end up with, the superstar sure does bring a lot of value to the franchise. So which franchise do you want to see Dame in?