ESPN's Stephen A. Smith Says Damian Lillard Has Earned The Right To Request A Trade
Portland Trail Blazers guard Damian Lillard has taken some criticism for requesting a trade to the Miami Heat.
They view him as being selfish because he wants to put himself in better position to win a championship, but ESPN analyst Stephen A. Smith is among those who side with Lillard. Smith said Monday that Lillard has done nothing wrong for wanting an upgrade.
"I respectfully want to submit to folks in the industry who have been critical of Damian Lillard, shut the hell up," Smith said. "... He gave Portland 11 years. You [the Trail Blazers] ain't going nowhere for the foreseeable future."
Last year the Heat made the NBA Finals for the second time in four years. The Blazers are in the middle of a rebuild after missing the playoffs for the second straight season.
Smith suggested the Trail Blazers request Tyler Herro, Duncan Robinson and three to four draft picks for Lillard.
"People acting like Dame is doing something wrong by telling you literally where he wants to go," Smith said. "It’s not a crime. He’s earned that right."
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