Blazers GM Joe Cronin Says Damian Lillard Trade Could Take Months

Trail Blazers GM Joe Cronin is in no hurry to trade guard Damian Lillard to his preferred destination of the Heat.

“If it takes months, it takes months,” Cronin told reporters.

Lillard requested a trade at the start of free agency, with agent Aaron Goodwin suggesting it’s Miami or bust. But Cronin said such a deal — to a preferred destination — won’t come easily.

“We’re going to be patient. We’re going to do what’s best for our team,” Cronin said. “We’re going to see how this lands.”

Portland has reportedly been engaged with teams other than just Miami on Lillard. Goodwin, of course, has cautioned others from pursuing the star guard.

“It’s not fair to a team to allow them to engage in a negotiation that could be futile in the end,” Goodwin told Aaron Fentress of the Oregonian.

The Blazers are believed to be seeking as many as four first-round picks and two players in return for Lillard, as we relayed here.

Blazers GM Joe Cronin: “We’re going to be patient. We’re going to do what's best for our team. We're going to see how this lands. And if it takes months, it takes months.”

Cronin says a deal that makes everyone happy often requires a list of more than one preferred destination.

— Tim MacMahon (@espn_macmahon) July 10, 2023