NBA rumors: Things have gone completely quiet between the Heat and Blazers
According to ESPN's Bobby Marks, "meaningful" Damian Lillard trade talks between the Miami Heat and the Portland Trail Blazers are not happening. While speaking on The Lowe Post podcast, he said that the two teams are not having any dialogue at all. He said that the only way that the Trail Blazers end up trading Lillard is if the All-NBA player makes things ugly.
Lillard is stuck with the Trail Blazers due to the fact that he is under contract until the 2025-26 season. With that in mind, Portland is able to hold on to him until they receive an offer that they like. Still, All-NBA talent has been able to force their way out of teams before by making their surrounding environment undesirable.
Teams can send players away from the facility if they are causing too much of a disturbance. Still, burning Dame's $45 million salary on fire is not ideal. At some point, it can be assumed that Lillard will make the environment messy. In the same podcast, Lowe mentioned that the superstar does not want to make things messy but patience can wear thin sometimes.
As of right now, it is very hard to find a big market for Damian Lillard outside of the Miami Heat. Yes, a desperate team like the Raptors or Sixers might bite but it's hard to trade for a player who clearly wants to go to one franchise.
While it has not been confirmed, the last offer seems to be Tyler Herro, Duncan Robinson, young players including Nikola Jovic and draft picks. While Robinson has two more years on his deal after this one, the last year of his deal has only $9 million guaranteed. It really seems like the Trail Blazers are looking to find a way to trade Tyler Herro to a third team (for picks) or find a miracle offer that gives them a chance to deny the Heat. This recent report confirms that.
NBA rumors: Could newly signed Danny Green make his way into the rotation
According to Adrian Wojnarowski, the Sixers have signed Danny Green to a one-year deal. Green has played 15 years in the NBA as a starter/rotational player who could shoot the 3-ball and defend. Green came in during the right era of NBA basketball and was a key piece for three NBA title teams with his 3-and-D acumen
As Woj mentioned Green has strong relationships with head coach Nick Nurse. He was the head coach of the Toronto Raptors when Green came in the trade return that also allowed the team to get Kawhi Leonard. The team would end up winning a title in Green's lone season with Nurse. Additionally, he seems to have a good relationship with Joel Embiid, after playing with him for two years.
After an injury-riddled season, it is hard to know how much Green has left to give at 36 years old. The Sixers already have De'Anthony Melton, Tyrese Maxey and Patrick Beverley locked into their rotational spots. Presumably, they will get a combo guard in the trade return of James Harden.
Still, Green could be a very good veteran presence for the team and it's smart to add a player with clear skills who won't cause distractions.
NBA rumors: Celtics loved Blake Griffin but probably don't have room for him
According to Adam Himmelsbach, the Celtics will most likely not be bringing back Blake Griffin. The roster is already at 14 players and has Kristaps Porzingis, Al Horford, and Robert Williams at the big-man spots. Additionally, it might not make sense to bring back Griffin who has his own injury issues with a front-court group full of players who have their own injury concerns.
Still, it seems like Griffin will find a roster spot somewhere due to the fact that he was a very good locker room presence with Boston last year. Griffin might not have so much time left in the NBA if he only depends on his playing skills. Still, he could end up playing two to three more seasons in the NBA as a veteran leader.
This is also a sign that he could end up being an assistant coach after his playing days are over. Often the best coaches who start out as players are ones who are already great locker-room players.
