Tracy McGrady Can Relate To Damian Lillard’s Trade Request To The Miami Heat

Former NBA All-Star Tracy McGrady can relate to Portland Trail Blazers guard Damian Lillard’s trade request to the Miami Heat.

After coming off back-to-back scoring titles in 2004, McGrady asked to be traded from the Orlando Magic. This led to a blockbuster trade, sending him to the Houston Rockets in exchange for guard Steve Francis.

On Wednesday, McGrady spoke about Lillard’s situation during an episode of Fox Sports 1’s "The Herd."

"He’s done everything he possibly can to win in Portland," McGrady said. "He’s given them everything. He wants to be a really huge part of why he wins the championship. He sees that in Miami. I have no issues with that."

“You have an issue w/ Dame saying Miami or nothing” @jasonrmcintyre

“No. He’s done everything he possibly can to win in Portland. He’s given them everything. He wants to be a really huge part of why he wins the championship. He sees that in Miami. I have no issues w/ that” T-Mac pic.twitter.com/XnOr3KceQt
— Dru (@dru_star) July 26, 2023

His sympathy for Lillard is understandable because the All-Stars were in similar situations throughout their careers.

Last season the Blazers wrapped up another disappointing year, finishing 13th in the Western Conference. In 2004, the McGrady-led Magic were 15th in the East. Both stars' intentions in leaving their organizations were to win a championship. McGrady ended his career without a ring.

Lillard hopes to wrap up his career on a different note by winning a title with the Heat. Miami has made the Finals twice in the past four seasons. They lost last season losing to the Denver Nuggets in five games.

On the contrary, McGrady expressed that he is not fond of Philadelphia 76ers guard James Harden’s trade request on The Herd. "I don’t know why you would leave that [Philadelphia] situation."

Anthony Pasciolla is a contributor to Inside The Heat. He can be reached at anthonypasciolla36@gmail.com or follow him on Tik Tok @anthonysports_