NBA Rumors: Lillard deal looming, Spurs mistake, Harden trade return
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2023-08-22 02:52
A Damian Lillard trade may be imminent, the Spurs regret not pursuing Austin Reaves, and what the 76ers want for Harden. Check out the latest NBA rumors.NBA rumors: A Damian Lillard deal might be coming, finally...A month after Lillard's trade request, Portland and Miami didn't appear ...

A Damian Lillard trade may be imminent, the Spurs regret not pursuing Austin Reaves, and what the 76ers want for Harden. Check out the latest NBA rumors.

NBA rumors: A Damian Lillard deal might be coming, finally…

A month after Lillard's trade request, Portland and Miami didn't appear to be making any progress. But, if Lillard's social media activity is any indication, then his time in Portland may be coming to a close. That's right. Things are getting serious. Lillard has officially unfollowed the Trail Blazers on Instagram.

It's no secret that Lillard wants to play in Miami. What's also becoming increasingly evident is that the Blazers aren't willing to move Lillard, a top 75-rated player, for pennies on the dollar just because he wants out. With six weeks left until training camp, the clock is ticking for both teams.

If you're the Heat, can you afford to waste a summer pursuing Lillard only to come up empty-handed? And If you're the Blazers, does it make sense to keep Dame around?

NBA rumors: Spurs mistake

Two takeaways from Reaves' performance with Team USA this summer: 1. The Lakers are ecstatic. 2. Someone check on the Spurs.

Why? Because earlier this summer, it was reported that the Spurs considered offering Reaves a restricted free-agency sheet worth $21 million per season. However, according to HoopsHype, "the Spurs were scared off by the widespread belief that the Lakers would match any offer sheet for Reaves and chose to preserve cap space as a salary dump destination for future draft pick compensation."

Reaves agreed to a four-year, $56 million deal with the Lakers. Simultaneously cementing his legacy and squandering every young fan's dream of seeing 'Country Kobe' play alongside Victor Wembanyama.

NBA rumors: What 76ers want in return for James Harden

After James Harden publicly called Daryl Morey a liar, things began to fall apart for the 76ers. In June, Harden picked up his $35.6 million player option and requested a trade, eyeing the Clippers as a potential landing spot. But, when no teams bit at Harden's steep asking price, the 76ers shut down trade negotiations. Harden, who took a team-friendly deal to play with the 76ers in the first place, is obviously frustrated. Questions arise about whether or not he'll even show up to camp.

Now, it's being reported that Morey and the 76ers are less interested in players and more interested in draft picks. According to Vincent Goodwill of Yahoo Sports, "Morey isn't stuck on receiving Clippers guard Terance Mann back in a Harden deal, but is coveting future first-round draft picks."

In its current fragile state, Philadelphia, rather than competing again, could choose to tear down and rebuild. Many around the league believe Embiid will ask out sooner rather than later. Safe to say, it's not looking sunny for Philly fans.

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