For months, negotiations regarding Damian Lillard between the Portland Trail Blazers and Miami Heat have remained at a standstill.
More recently, other teams were said to be in the mix, including the Toronto Raptors, Chicago Bulls, Boston Celtics and others.
TSN’s Josh Lewenberg says this could be a result of the Blazers trying to regain the influence they lost against the Heat.
Lewenberg reported, via NBACentral:
“As the start of training camp quickly approaches, the sudden increase in the number of teams said to be expressing interest may simply be the result of Portland feeling the heat — not intending to pun – and try to recover some of that leverage, as one source suggested.
From the moment Lillard decided to leave the Blazers, he put this team in an extremely difficult situation.
That’s because he had a destination in mind:
Miami Heat and only Miami Heat.
This essentially eliminated all of Portland’s leverage, which they were unable to regain in the months that followed
Now that other teams are prowling and considering opportunities with Lillard, the Blazers again have some leverage.
They can force Miami’s hand.
If the Heat really want Lillard, they will have to make a larger offer than before, otherwise the Blazers will just make a deal with another team.
Of course, the Heat may not play this game as they have their own limitations and requirements.
According to some, the Blazers always have the upper hand in all negotiations involving Lillard.
But now they also have many options after months of only playing against the Heat.
Will this cause Miami to try harder to get Lillard?