The NBA offseason produced some interesting storylines in its first week with Damian Lillard requesting a trade from the Portland Trail Blazers and James Harden opting out of his deal with the Philadelphia 76ers and reportedly requesting a trade as well.
Emily Austin, host of «The Hoop Chat,» spoke with Fox News Digital about the NBA offseason and offered her thoughts on some of the hot topics ahead of next season, including what she thinks will happen with Lillard and a possible trade with Miami. Heat.
«I don’t see a scenario where Miami can come up with a package that satisfies the Blazers,» Austin told Fox News Digital in a recent interview.
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Damian Lillard of the Portland Trail Blazers controls the ball during the second half against the Utah Jazz at Vivint Arena on March 22, 2023 in Salt Lake City. (Alex Goodlett/Getty Images)
“They already expressed that they are not interested in Tyler Herro, and if the Miami Heat are going to give up a Bam (Adebayo) or a Jimmy (Butler) or a key player of the team in exchange for another star, I call it a trade of stars, what did you get with that? I feel like that will defeat the whole purpose of the Heat competing for a championship.
«If you give up a superstar for Damian Lillard, I feel like it’s an even trade and it doesn’t make sense. If they could come up with a package, which I’ve seen has been in the works, but it’s not ‘satisfying’ the Blazers, they’re going to have We have to think of a third team that can help make this happen.»
Damian Lillard of the Portland Trail Blazers during the third quarter against the Golden State Warriors at the Moda Center on April 9, 2023 in Portland, Oregon. (Steph Chambers/Getty Images)
Austin suggested that the San Antonio Spurs could be that third team to help complete a deal or even acquire Lillard for themselves.
As for Harden, Austin predicted that the superstar point guard will remain with the 76ers. Harden picked up his $36.5 million option for 2023-24 and later requested a trade, according to multiple reports.
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«Ultimately, I think James Harden needs to find his place and establish himself there. I saw with the Brooklyn Nets how it worked for him. I saw in Houston how it worked for him. I think James Harden needs to stay with Philly. They need to find whatever that doesn’t work for them and get out of there.
James Harden of the Philadelphia 76ers dribbles against the Boston Celtics during the third quarter of Game 6 of the NBA Eastern Conference semifinals at the Wells Fargo Center on May 11, 2023 in Philadelphia. (Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images)
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Austin added that he didn’t think Harden would find the «greener grass» he’s looking for elsewhere.