The NBA Free Agency has seen a huge amount of money rolling in. With role players like Dillon Brooks earning $20 million per year, the market is heating up for all sorts of athletes. As superstars’ salaries go north of $50 million per year, they command a lot of power. They use this power to land in their preferred destinations. While this trend isn’t anything novel, in the current era, the negotiation power for superstars has reached new heights. 

One such case is Damian Lillard who is fed up with years of losing and wants to get into a more winning system. How will Portland Trail Blazers work a contract around the elite sharpshooter?

Damian Lillard says no Heat, no play

Ever since DAME D.O.L.L.A declared that he wants to switch teams, franchises have been looking for a way to nab him. However, he has cleared his intentions from day one, either it is Jimmy Butler and Miami Heat or nothing. To solidify the notion, sources close to Lillard revealed that the Point Guard wouldn’t even consider reporting to a team other than Miami Heat.

This staunch position is making it difficult for Trail Blazers to craft a trade. Will they target Tyler Herro to make it work?

Known for his loyalty to Portland, the Guard has stayed put for around a decade. However, the management hasn’t been able to build something special around him, especially on the defensive end. Since he joined, there have been five first-round exits, two Semi-Final exits, and just one Conference Finals appearance in the 2018-2019 season when the team was swept by the Warriors. The Trail Blazers haven’t made it to even the Play-in tournament last two seasons and have been one of the worst teams in the league. 

Rumors suggest that Lillard also had the Golden State Warriors in his crosshairs and wanted to form a superstar duo alongside Stephen Curry.

Revealing to Sports Illustrated, Ramona Shelburn stated, “Dame is from the Bay Area. I know he was interested. If he got to the point where he was going to ask for a trade and the list was given, the Warrior would have initially been on that list. Now, it’s not possible. They could have waited.”

Read more: 24 Hours After Stephen Curry Team-Up Revelation, Damian Lillard Drops a 2-Word Reply to Disgruntled Fans

What is the measure of loyalty?

Naturally, such demands have triggered the NBA fanbase. Since Lillard pledged loyalty to the Trail Blazers for life, fans have attached it to his personality for a long time. However, the tide has turned ever since he wanted out of the Franchise that drafted him number six in the 2012 Draft.

A user compared this situation to Ben Simmons, who was traded from the 76ers to the Nets and also wants out from the Nets.

There were many harsh comments. A fan even compared him to a child.

While some call him a baby, others call him a poor sport.

However, amidst the harshness, a user came to his defense. He calls people heartless, demanding more respect for the star for devoting 11 years of his life to the team.

Overall, the Damian Lillard saga has turned a bit murky. What are your thoughts on the whole situation? Do share in the comments below.

Watch this story: Where Will Damian Lillard Go?