We all know that basketball players, particularly the NBA, are some of the most-paid athletes in the world. It might be that or maybe players are taking a chapter from LeBron James‘s decision to move out of Cleveland to Miami. The only difference – he did so as a free agent. It sparked a flurry of movement among players. The most recent, of course, is the trade of Damian Lillard. And our very own James “The Beard” Harden. His trade request is the noisiest one this season.

The superstars’ approach to this is that they want a lucrative contract and the option to choose any team when they feel like it. Unsurprisingly, this new reality has a name, “pre-agency”.

How Damian Lillard’s stubbornness brought about his own demise

Damian Lillard has always been praised for his unwavering loyalty to the team. In a way, it is true. He did stick with the Blazers for 11 long years. Yet, his recent trade request (read: demand) led many to question this loyalty.

According to The Ringer’s Howard Beck, a veteran NBA agent, said that had Lillard provided Cronin with an out, any out, “his chances of ending up in Miami would be higher.” By way of an explanation, he continued, “These [GMs’] jobs are on the line; he’s going to have to answer to ownership. Even if Joe [Cronin, the Blazers GM] wanted to do right by Dame, he had to drag it out and see how much he could get out of Miami, or to get Dame to bend and say, ‘You know what, I’m open to other teams.’”

Trending

“Rest in Peace”: Isiah Thomas Mourns Devastating Demise of 6x Grammy Awardee After Long Cancer Battle

May 14, 2024 04:01 AM EDT

“Biggest Fumble”: Kelsey Plum Flaunting Body in Kim Kardashian’s Skims Has Fans Questioning Ex-Hubby Darren Waller’s Divorce Decision

May 13, 2024 07:07 PM EDT

NBA Trade Rumors: 6’8 Superstar Urged To Ditch $208 Million To Return to Lakers Amid Klay Thompson Entice

May 12, 2024 10:33 PM EDT

Angel Reese Lures Michael Jordan to Do Something Which He has Never Done, Courtesy of Chicago Roots

May 06, 2024 07:43 AM EDT

Shaunie Wouldn’t Have Married Keion Henderson After Shaquille O’Neal Divorce if Not for This Reason

May 12, 2024 01:46 PM EDT

Get instantly notified of the hottest NBA stories via Google! Click on Follow Us and Tap the Blue Star.

Follow Us

The James Harden situation is no different. Well, slightly different in that, Harden has decided trade demands to be his go-to for everything. Among the 14 trade demands made in the last five years, three alone are Harden’s. But, as Morey made it clear from the beginning, Harden stays in the team until a better offer comes their way. Since “The Beard” is still with Philly, safe to say that Daryl is standing his ground.

Damian’s move to the Bucks helped keep their “superstar” happy

The Milwaukee Bucks would have also fallen prey to the “pre-agency” category had Giannis asked for a trade request. Though it’s kept under wraps, it is common knowledge that the Bucks blew their salary cap to get Damian. And all so that they could keep Antetokounmpo on the team.

Read More: “Don’t Give a Damn What You Think,” as Damian Lillard Gets Linked to 3 NBA Teams, Veteran Analyst Gives a Stinging Reality Check to the NBA World

Yes, the social media is blowing up with how Lillard pointed out Giannis is the key to his championship. Ultimately, it was in the Greek Freak’s interests that Lillard is currently wearing the Bucks jersey. In all fairness, had Dame gone to Miami, the biggest rival of the Bucks in the Eastern Conference, they would have a tough time battling it out.

In hindsight, the trade did not bring about any loss for the 7x NBA All-Star. The Bucks are one of the top three contenders for the championship, and their roster also boasts excellent names. Lillard has a growing list of accolades, but the one thing he lacks is a ring; the ring that Giannis can lead him to.

Watch This Story: As Giannis Antetokounmpo Threatens to Leave, Bucks’ 2022–23 Season Confirmed a ‘Failure’ by NBA Insider: “Can We Just Call It What It Was?”

So, what do the Bucks have to say to the Heat? “Not today.”