NBA Twitter Suggests Damian Lillard Is “Running From The Grind” After Requesting To Play For Miami Heat

The news of Damian Lillard requesting a trade from the Portland Trail Blazers sparked many reactions from social media. His constant praise of “team basketball” left many believing he would never leave the team.

But here we are, and per usual, those on Twitter had a lot to say. Some fans were relieved he finally left the team in pursuit of contending. Then, there were others saying him requesting to play for the Miami Heat was “running from the grind,” given their recent Finals run.

Sounds like he’s running from the grind if you ask me. Sad! https://t.co/DHzlILV42W
— Big Cat (@BarstoolBigCat) July 1, 2023

Ain’t nothing like “running from the grind” than joining a team that just made the finals
— Joel Moran (@joelvmoran) July 2, 2023

Lillard stayed loyal to the Trail Blazers throughout his entire career, so much so that people were frustrated in his unwillingness to leave. Still, this didn’t stop people from accusing him of supposedly giving up on his team.

Damn dame running from the grind? pic.twitter.com/ap9qSdDDIv
— Soul Train Shemar🇳🇬 (@DjKasani) July 1, 2023

But of course, there are those who pushed against these claims.

He been grinding in Portland for almost 10yrs. It ain’t happening.
— 🅸🅼 🅹🅸🅲🅺 🆁🅰︎🅼🅴🆂 🅱︎🅸🆂🅷 (@BooBooDaphuul) July 2, 2023

The Heat are pushing to acquire Lillard and boost their championship odds. Jimmy Butler’s superstar performances ran out as the postseason progressed, displaying the need for another star scoring option. With Lillard in the lineup, Miami can get another opportunity to hang a fourth banner.

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Jayden Armant is a contributor to Inside the Heat. He is a student at Howard University. He can be reached at jaydenshome14@gmail.com or follow him on Twitter @jaydenarmant.