There is speculation that Damian Lillard will be traded before training camp and Stephen A. Smith has questioned the interest of one his top suitors.
Toronto are reportedly in the mix for Lillard and a new frontrunner in the race to land him.
“While the Raptors have had recent conversations with the Blazers about Lillard, no pact was close to being imminent as of Monday morning, according to a source,” NBA insider Marc J Spears reported this week.
But considering Lillard has made it known he wants to go somewhere to compete for a championship, maybe the Raptors aren’t the best fit.
Smith certainly doesn’t see the point of the Raptors engaging in trade talks, considering they don’t exactly have championship pieces. They would have even less if they were to trade for Dame.
“That means absolutely nothing to what Damian Lillard’s long-term plans are,” Smith said on First Take. “He wants to compete for a championship… It’s a waste of time to even think of going to the Toronto Raptors.”
Since Kawhi Leonard led Toronto to championship in 2019, the franchise has made just one playoffs series.
It’s been almost three months since Lillard requested a trade away from the Blazers, with his preferred destination being the Heat.
However, according to Spears, “no substantial trade conversations have taken place between the two teams, sources said.”
The Bucks, Celtics, 76ers and Bulls are other teams that have showed interest in the seven-time All-Star.
Portland’s training camp begins on October 2, so time is running out.
“Regardless of whether Lillard is traded or still in Portland come media day, a source said he is not expected to be a media day or training camp holdout,” Spears said.
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