Any hope that the Utah Jazz could land Damian Lillard are dead

The Utah Jazz are out of the running for Damian Lillard, that is if they were ever in it.

Ever since Damian Lillard apparently requested a trade from the Portland Trailblazers, the Utah Jazz have been attached to any rumor involving him. It’s almost like they’re attached at the hip at this point. You can’t speak about Lillard’s future and not somehow involve the Jazz.

Whether it’s the Utah Jazz picking up Lillard directly or be it as a third team, and acquiring someone like Tyler Herro. The Jazz have long been attached to Lillard, ever since this drama began.

And while it may still be possible for the Jazz to benefit by being a third party in any trade that happens, what isn’t happening is Lillard putting on a Jazz jersey. According to Shams Charania, Lillard isn’t going anywhere that isn’t Miami or Portland. He goes on to say;

"At this point, the only two training camps that Damian Lillard would report to, in theory; Portland and Miami"

Now, Salt Lake City is a lovely place, but no one is going to mistake it for either Portland or Miami, so it seems like Lillard won’t accidentally arrive with his gear at some point in the next few weeks. And honestly, that’s likely for the best. Lillard is arguably a first-ballot Hall of Famer, but at his age and price, he isn’t exactly the kind of guy the Jazz should go get.

If he were a free agent and was willing to come in for a lot less than he’s making now, sure, go for it. But you don’t want to give up pieces of your future for a guy who has three, maybe four years left in him.

If he were 23, sure, break the bank, but he’s 33, and he’s had some up-and-down seasons recently, better to air on the side of caution and not even try it.

Plus, no one really ever thought he was coming here, so it’s not a huge loss anyway.