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Miami Heat: Damian Lillard trade could have ripple effects

By Noah Decker

PHILADELPHIA, PA - MARCH 10: Joel Embiid #21 of the Philadelphia 76ers in action against Damian Lillard #0 of the Portland Trail Blazers during a game at Wells Fargo Center on March 10, 2023 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The 76ers defeated the Trail Blazers 120-119. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Rich Schultz/Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PA - MARCH 10: Joel Embiid #21 of the Philadelphia 76ers in action against Damian Lillard #0 of the Portland Trail Blazers during a game at Wells Fargo Center on March 10, 2023 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The 76ers defeated the Trail Blazers 120-119. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Rich Schultz/Getty Images) /
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The Damian Lillard trade rumors continue as the Trail Blazers star guard has yet to be traded after officially requesting to be moved on July 1. Lillard has asserted that his only preferred destination is the Miami Heat, but Portland is unwilling to give into his demands unless they receive a significant offer in return.

Regardless of the trade request, Dame has been one of the most loyal players in the NBA. He is the longest active tenured player to never win an NBA championship. The only players in the league that have played more seasons with one team are the Golden State Warriors big three, who have four titles.

Lillard tried his hardest to win a championship in Portland. Lacking a proper supporting cast, he was unsuccessful. Now the Trail Blazers are looking towards the future and the two sides are going in different directions. This ultimately led Dame to the realization that he needed to move on.

Lillard’s trade request could have ripple effects. Now that the league has seen one of the most loyal players in the league request a trade, we could see a wave of stars ask to be moved elsewhere.

Joel Embiid recently made a remark that suggests this will be the case. In an interview at the Uninterrupted Sports Film Festival, he said,

"“I want to win a championship…whether it’s in Philly or anywhere else, I just want to have a chance to accomplish that.”"

For now, Embiid is committed to winning a championship in Philadelphia. However, they are currently dealing with finding a trade suitor for James Harden. If they are unable to find a trade where they receive a player as skilled as Harden in return, it could be the beginning of the end for Embiid’s time in Philly.

Embiid is not the only player to watch for. Bleacher Report recently shared a list of stars on teams that are struggling to meet expectations over and over again. Those stars could be the next players to request a trade if their team success does not improve soon. Thanks to Lillard, their patience could be fleeting.

Pat Riley loves star hunting. If any more stars request trades in the near future, the Miami Heat will be ready.

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