Trail Blazers Patiently Await Trade for Damian Lillard

Portland Trail Blazers general manager Joe Cronin stated that a trade involving Damian Lillard could take "months" to complete as the team aims to leave the franchise in the best possible position. Cronin emphasized the importance of patience and not making impulsive decisions, stating that the teams that have been diligent and controlled in their approach have ended up in positive situations post-trade. While Lillard has expressed his desire to be traded to the Miami Heat, Cronin has not found a suitable deal yet and acknowledged that multiple teams involved in negotiations tend to lead to better outcomes. Cronin admitted that he felt like he failed Lillard in not being able to build a competitive roster quickly enough, but he still holds out hope that Lillard could finish his career with the Blazers.