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Austin Rivers says Damian Lillard trade request is bad for the NBA

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James Foglio
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James Foglio Sports Editor

James is a Basketball Insiders contributor. He earned his bachelor's degree in English and Creative Writing from Southern New Hampshire University. James enjoys watching sports and helping gamblers win money.

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Sports Editor

Updated24 Jul 2023

Minnesota Timberwolves Austin Rivers says Portland Trail Blazers Damian Lillard trade demand is bad for the NBA

Minnesota Timberwolves guard Austin Rivers believes Damian Lillard requesting a trade from the Portland Trail Blazers is a horrible look for the NBA. During an appearance on The Ringer’s “NBA Show,” the 11-year veteran opened up on the ongoing trade rumors regarding Lillard.

“If you were a free agent, then you could choose where you were gonna go,” Rivers said. “This started with James [Harden] and Ben [Simmons] and all these guys doing this s—t. It’s bad for the league. Regardless of how good of a player you are, man, the NBA is a privilege.”

Per a few NBA betting sites, the Minnesota Timberwolves hold 18th-ranked odds to win next season’s championship in 2024. Some sportsbooks are giving the Memphis Grizzlies, Sacramento Kings, and New Orleans Pelicans better odds.


“If you are a free agent, then you can choose where you wanna go, that’s the business. But when you’re not, and you sign a deal, man, that’s part of the business, bro,” Austin Rivers added. “If you get traded somewhere, you gotta go play. … This is why our CBA (collective bargaining agreement) deal that we just signed — and I don’t even wanna get heavy into that.

“Don’t even get me f—king started on that deal that we got going. Because it’s top heavy. … You either make $50 million or two. It’s the most lopsided contract. I mean, it’s a joke, bro. I can’t tell you how many mid-level guys are signing for vet minimum around the NBA. It’s laughable. It’s a scary dynamic when stars start acting like this.”

Free agent guard Austin Rivers says free agents should be allowed to play wherever they want, but as a signed player, Damian Lillard requesting a trade from the Portland Trail Blazers is bad for the NBA 

Damian Lillard requested a trade from the Trail Blazers on Jul. 1. The 6-foot-2 guard is interested in playing for the Miami Heat. However, Portland is still seeking four first-round draft picks and two quality players for the seven-time All-Star. Miami put forth Tyler Herro and multiple draft picks for Lillard a few weeks ago.

But Portland declined the Heat’s trade offer. The Los Angeles Clippers, Timberwolves, and New Orleans Pelicans are among the teams interested in trading for Lillard. Nevertheless, sportsbooks are showing the best odds for the Heat, Brooklyn Nets, and Boston Celtics.


“I’m not a big fan of it; I gotta be honest with you. And I’m a big fan of Damian,” Rivers said. “Everyone knows. I’ve had so many battles with him. I’ve been in many playoff series against Damian, and he’s probably one of the hardest players I’ve ever had to guard in my entire life.

“But I don’t like when stars do that. Because it’s just like, what does every other player do? So because you’re a good player, you just don’t have to show up?”

Austin Rivers is currently an unrestricted free agent. Unlike Lillard, Rivers can decide where he wants to play next. The Duke University product signed a one-year, $2.91 million contract with the Minnesota Timberwolves last July.

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