I don't think that's the startegy. By initiating, you are showing you need to trade Dame, much like going to a car dealership and letting it be known you need a vehicle. We sit back, wait until the deadline, when more teams who currently think they're healthy realize they're sick, and need the Dame cure, let them fight over Dame. Highest bidder gets Dame.
This is what I think happened. Goodwin wanted Dame in a bigger market. Because that would mean a bigger paycheck for Goodwin. I think he finally talked Dame into it and Dame said he's not interested in going to a bad situation like he's seen happen to other guys. Goodwin likely said he'll handle it, but he might have to get tough to make sure he lands in the right spot. So they agree that Dame will just leave the country while it all plays out. I highly doubt that Dame was telling Goodwin what to do here, play by play.
Can he please go to his beloved Chicago. What happened to people like Frei and others that were not nearly so obnoxious and actual journalists?
In case you missed it... NBA Sends Memo To All 30 Teams On Damian Lillard's Trade Request JUL 28, 2023 6:05 PM The NBA sent a memo to all 30 teams regarding comments surrounding the trade request by Damian Lillard and his agent Aaron Goodwin. “Recent media reports stated that Damian Lillard’s agent, Aaron Goodwin, called multiple NBA teams to warn them against trading for Lillard because Lillard’s only desired trade destination is Miami. Goodwin also made public comments indicating that Lillard would not fully perform the services called for under his player contract if traded to another team. "We interviewed Goodwin and Lillard and also spoke with several NBA teams to whom Goodwin spoke. Goodwin denied stating or indicating to any team that Lillard would refuse to play for them. Goodwin and Lillard affirmed to us that Lillard would fully perform the services called for under his player contract in any trade scenario. The relevant teams provided descriptions of their communications with Goodwin that were mostly, though not entirely, consistent with Goodwin’s statements to us. "We have advised Goodwin and Lillard that any future comments, made privately to teams or publicly, suggesting Lillard will not fully perform the services called for under his player contract in the event of a trade will subject Lillard to discipline by the NBA. We also have advised the Players Association that any similar comments by players or their agents will be subject to discipline going forward.”
So was the "I will only play for Miami" stuff BS all along? Or was it teams not wanting to tattle on Goodwin? Now that this Miami-only stuff is out the window, will a trade be coming soon?
Throw Goodwin in with Bouna Ndiaye and Lon Babby (although thank goodness Turkey Glue didn't come here).
I’m not sure this changes anything as far as a market for Dame, though I think Miami will put its first bonafide offer on the table. We’ll see if Portland bites.
It doesn't have to do anything immediately. The Blazers don't have to be in any hurry. As the season progresses and teams see Dame as a potential missing piece while the Heat potentially struggle with a two-player roster, there'll be quite a bit of incentive for organizations to find a way to make a deal. Heat fans are playing ignorant to this, but it's the fact. The Blazers either aren't a contender without Dame or they aren't a contender by having accepted what the Heat have offered playing this preposterous "Dame will make it ugly" card (not even understanding that Dame has businesses in Portland and wants to live in Portland and there might be longterm blowback from playing the nuke card). The expiring contracts and draft picks aren't going to help the Blazers anytime soon ... they could trade Dame at the deadline for the same thing. The Blazers could keep Dame and make him inactive while the young guys play. If Dame wants to play, hey, that's fine, too. The only real way to misplay this is for the Blazers to rush into making a trade like the Heat are offering now. The NBA's memo has staggered Team Dame and the Heat in their efforts to get the Blazers to do this. The Blazers should wait this out and let someone else get desperate.
I wouldn't necessarily call it a misplay by the Blazers, but Dame getting injured would be catastrophic. Anyone trading for Dame is looking to contend immediately and for the next couple years. If he gets injured during camp or early in the season, it will set the rebuild back a couple years. I'm hoping a sweetheart deal comes along sooner than later.
The damage is done. Reminds me of movies or shows where the judge tells the jury to disregard what they just heard. Ummm, sorry. Too late.
Not great news. Chances of Dame staying, not playing defense, being unhappy, us continue not contending, most likely trading Scoot and or Shaedon for “help”
