Damian Lillard urged to follow James Harden's footsteps: "This is how you do this"

Damian Lillard remains a member of the Portland Trail Blazers despite requesting a trade at the start of free agency. Lillard is now being urged to take notes from James Harden if he wants to get traded to the Miami Heat before the 2023-24 NBA season.

On "The Dan Le Batard Show with Stugotz", ESPN's Pablo Torre explained why Lillard needs to follow Harden's blueprint of creating drama. Harden has been successful in forcing trades when he was with the Houston Rockets and Brooklyn Nets, and it could happen again with the Philadelphia 76ers:

"Damian Lillard should be taking notes," Torre said. "This is how you do this. You make a giant mess. You involve every bit of leverage you did not have by generating controversy, generating toxicity."

Pablo Torre arguably has a point, considering that it worked for James Harden twice in the past. It could work again after Harden's "liar" rant against 76ers President Daryl Morey. Ben Simmons also created a lot of drama when he was trying to get out of the Brooklyn Nets, and it worked for all sides.

However, Damian Lillard does not have a penchant for drama and likely won't alienate the organization and the fanbase. Lillard loves the city and is unlikely to do something that would destroy that bond.

Dame's trade request remains intact midway through the offseason. He reportedly still wants to play for the Miami Heat and challenge for a championship. It might not be alright for some Trail Blazers fans, but many are showing support for their greatest player ever to get the move he is looking for.

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Latest on Damian Lillard's trade request

Damian Lillard of the Portland Trail Blazers

It's been more than a month since Damian Lillard requested a trade out of the Portland Trail Blazers. Lillard's preferred destination, the Miami Heat, had offers but was turned down by Portland.

The Trail Blazers are not interested in Tyler Herro, who could be dealt to a third team to facilitate the deal. However, it seems like the Lillard trade saga could go the same path as James Harden's.

ESPN's Brian Windhorst gave the latest update on both stars on "The Hoop Collective" podcast:

"I don't think there's any active trade talks in the NBA right now," Windhorst said. "Certainly not active for Dame Lillard. And I don't think there’s anything active for James Harden."