07-09-2021, 09:25 AM
(07-07-2021, 02:32 PM)SleepingHero Wrote: Given how agent relationships with front offices drive a lot of the movement in the league, I think Dame absolutely can force a trade to wherever he wants to go.
If he said to POR, "listen I'm done here. I only want to go play with Luka (and Kawhi) please make it happen", odds are Portland will do everything they can to get the best deal from the Mavs and honor Dame's wishes.
Because if they didn't do that, then I can almost assure you Dame's agent will go to Olshey and say "if you don't honor this request, I will make sure none of my current or future clients will ever consider Portland as a destination in the future"
Further, the team that does try and trade for Dame who isn't on his list will be getting a disgruntled star that doesn't want to be there anyways. And isn't that the exact same situation POR is in right now? Why would any team want to take the risk and gut their assets for a guy that might force his way out as soon as he arrives?
Obviously all of this is contingent on Dame saying "trade me to the Mavs I only want to go there". I don't think he'll do that. But if he really wants to play with Luka (which is a very real possibility), then POR doesn't really have many options.
I find it hard to believe an agent can strong arm a team to take on a much worse trade package for 4 years of a player. That's not how it played out with Kawhi. The Clippers payed a kings ransom for George. We are not capable of making that kind of package.