Damian Lillard rents restaurant to meet 4x champion, per NBA insider: “[Draymond Green] is in Portland tonight”
Damian Lillard and Draymond Green have reportedly met up in Portland to discuss the possibility of them teaming up together. Lillard told the Portland Trail Blazers that he would stay under two conditions, one of which is for the team to pursue Green during free agency.
According to sources, the two stars met in a restaurant in downtown Portland. The two didn't want anyone to see them, which is why they made sure no one else was in the restaurant. Lillard reportedly rented the entire place just for themselves, possibly to discuss a potential team-up.
Dwight Jaynes reported about this on Portland's sports radio, Rip City Radio 620.
"Just got a text..."
“Just got a text…
‘[Draymond Green] is in Portland tonight meeting w/ Dame at a restaurant downtown. A friend had reservations & was called & told Dame rented out the entire restaurant & they had to cancel his reservation’” - @dwightjaynes on @RipCityRadio620 in Portland https://t.co/08U105Z1gH
"'He [Draymond Green] is in Portland tonight meeting w/ Dame at a restaurant downtown. A friend had reservations & was called & told Dame rented out the entire restaurant & they had to cancel his reservation'"
Green is an unrestricted free agent. The Golden State Warriors have started to make moves to keep the star on a long-term deal. While it's possible for the four-time All-Star to return to Golden State, he has been open to meeting with other teams.
Since last summer, the defensive forward has demanded a max contract from the Warriors. However, the team signed Jordan Poole for a $140 million maximum contract last summer. It could hinder them from offering Green a big payday. Now that Poole has been traded, they have a chance to negotiate a new deal with the four-time champion.
Jordan Poole and the Warriors have agreed to a $140M contract extension, per @wojespn https://t.co/DaOEo8d1Gx
For Lillard, he wants to stay in Portland to try and give the city a chance to contend for a title. According to him, he's wants to contend for a title this season and won't settle for less.
You might also be interested in reading this: "We had a great dialogue" - Blazers GM meets with Damian Lillard as trade speculation continues to gain traction
The Miami Heat is hoping that Damian Lillard will ask for a trade
One of the teams that are willing to go after Damian Lillard is the Miami Heat. After coming up short in the NBA Finals last season, the Heat is looking for another star that could take them further into the postseason. According to sources, Miami is willing to be patient with Lillard's decision and is hopeful that the star will request a trade soon.
"There’s hope around the Heat that Lillard eventually will ask for a trade; Lillard already has said Miami and Brooklyn would appeal to him if he does," Barry Jackson reported.
Miami has decided to wait ‘patiently’ for Damian Lillard to make a decision, per @flasportsbuzz
“There’s hope around the Heat that Lillard eventually will ask for a trade.” https://t.co/acl9MNQbcx
As free agency approaches, a decision from Dame could come soon.
Also read: "I'm tired of talking"- Kendrick Perkins is done with Damian Lillard trade talk and doubts star's motivation to contend