76ers: NBA Insider Doesn’t Buy Latest Damian Lillard Rumors

As the Damian Lillard trade drama continues to play out, the narrative has shifted a bit. When the All-Star guard initially made his trade request, several teams, including the Philadelphia 76ers, were reported to have an interest. However, it was immediately clear that Lillard preferred the Miami Heat over everybody else.

Typically when a franchise player has a preference when it comes to a trade, the organization tends to work with them and grant their wishes. But considering the Heat aren’t able to put together an ideal package in the eyes of the Portland Trail Blazers, the team’s message was clear; they were only going to trade Lillard for the best available package.

In an attempt to get non-Heat suitors to back off, Lillard’s camp reportedly sent out a strong message, noting that landing Lillard could be the equivalent of landing a disgruntled player. Although front offices were looking to call Lillard’s bluff, it seems some interested suitors backed off as of late.

Sports Illustrated’s own Chris Mannix doesn’t seem to believe Lillard would truly enter a new situation disgruntled, though. On The Ryen Russillo Podcast, Mannix addressed the report and mentioned that he’s not buying what’s being told to front offices at this time.

“He’s just always been a professional, and he’s always been about winning,” said the NBA Insider. “So if he gets traded to Philadelphia, I think he’d go, and I think he’d play to his highest level. If he gets traded to Boston, just throwing that out there, I think he’d go, and I think he’d play at the highest level. I don’t think he’d be disgruntled, as his agent has kind of described to teams. I don’t think he’d be sour about it.”

The Sixers are no strangers to doing their due diligence on Damian Lillard’s trading price tag. Before landing James Harden two seasons ago, the Sixers were linked to Lillard as they attempted to move away from the three-time All-Star, Ben Simmons.

When Lillard’s trade request went public at the beginning of July this summer, the Sixers were one of a few teams linked to him once again. However, with Lillard having strong interest in playing the Heat only, the Sixers have seemingly backed off since the start of the offseason.

Dealing with their fair share of disgruntled stars in recent times, it shouldn’t come as a surprise to know the Sixers are hesitant to give up a lot for a veteran guard with the risk of him entering the situation disappointed from the jump.

While the Sixers still might have their eyes on the Lillard-Portland drama that’s taking place out West, it still seems that the All-Star guard will eventually get his wish in the end. Nothing can be ruled out when it comes to the NBA trade market, but all signs are pointing toward Lillard becoming a rival of the Sixers and not a member.