Haynes: Damian Lillard ‘not doing Boston’ despite Celtics’ reported ‘level of interest’

Could there be something afoot here, or is this simply prime Silly Season in action?

At this point, it seems pretty safe to say disgruntled Portland Trail Blazers star Damian Lillard is exerting the maximum pressure he is able to muster, letting intel slip to key media members that makes it clear the Blazers point guard will be happy only with a trade to the Miami Heat.

More evidence of this arose again in the last 24 hours. In an interview with the “Dan Patrick Show,” Bleacher Report’s Chris Haynes reiterated that Lillard has no interest in suiting up for the Boston Celtics.

“He’s not doing Boston. He’s not. I don’t see that,” said Haynes via ClutchPoints.

“You can confidently report that Dame doesn’t want to go to Boston?” asked the eponymous show host.

“I think that’s pretty safe to say,” came the reply from Haynes.

Given Lillard’s contract situation and the Celtics’ roster construction, what either party wants may be far less important than what Portland’s front office and potential third teams may desire in any protective Lillard swap.

But, it is also another data point to consider. The Athletic’s Shams Charania reported much the same sentiment as well as an undisclosed level of interest from the Celtics. Could there be something afoot here, or is this simply prime silly season in action? Only time will tell.

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