Caught In 4K: Brian Windhorst slips up on air, hints at 76ers trading for Dame Lillard

Another year, another saga involving Damian Lillard and his ever-loving loyalty to the Portland Trail Blazers.

It seems as though we do the same song and dance every offseason with Lillard: he doesn’t want to “run from the grind,” yet he doesn’t want to be a part of a super-team either. Lillard has also been vocal about his desire to avoid a rebuild situation, so Lord knows what he wants at this point.

In the same breath, the seven-time All-Star is constantly circulating in trade rumors, with Philadelphia continuously mentioned as a possible destination.

On Tuesday’s episode of ESPN’s Get Up, NBA Insider Brian Windhosrst was caught slipping when discussing the future of Lillard, almost mentioning the 76ers not once, but twice:

"He doesn't want to put pressure on the 7-… on the Six-… on the Blazers."

The between-the-lines update on Lillard from @WindhorstESPN 🧐🤔 pic.twitter.com/4WOnBUIGCv

— Ball Don’t Lie (@Balldontlie) June 27, 2023

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Why were the 76ers at the front of Windy’s mind when talking about Lillard? Could he have gotten confused with James Harden’s looming contract decision? Possibly. Is Lillard mercifully ending his tenure in Portland and demanding a trade to Philly? Hopefully.

Blazers’ GM Joe Cronin recently met with Lillard and stated the team “remains committed to building a winner around Dame.” Whether this is lip service or the genuine truth remains to be seen.

On the 76ers’ front, James Harden has until Thursday to opt in or out of his $35.6M player option for next season. If Harden walks, the Sixers don’t have disposable assets to replace him, and any potential deal for Lillard would likely involve rising star Tyrese Maxey.

Time to earn your paycheck, Daryl Morey.

Damian Lillard hasn’t requested a trade and plans to ‘wait around’ to see what Portland does in free agency, per @WindhorstESPN pic.twitter.com/pESJAVbu9l

— NBACentral (@TheNBACentral) June 27, 2023

Mandatory Credit: Getty Images