Damian Lillard had interest in Warriors before they made 1 move

Dec 16, 2019; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Portland Trail Blazers guard Damian Lillard (0) against the Phoenix Suns at Talking Stick Resort Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

Damian Lillard has made it clear that he wants to play for the Miami Heat, but there was apparently at least one other team that he was open to joining earlier in the offseason.

ESPN insider Ramona Shelburne discussed the Lillard situation during a Wednesday appearance on 95.7 The Game’s “Willard & Dibs” show. Shelburne said the Golden State Warriors would have been in play to land Lillard had they not acquired Chris Paul in a trade.

The Warriors could have traded for Dame if they didn't trade for CP3

"They could have waited for Dame. Dame is from the Bay Area. I know he was interested…If he was going to ask for a trade…the Warriors would have been on that list."

– @ramonashelburne on @WillardAndDibs

— 95.7 The Game (@957thegame) July 6, 2023

As Shelburne mentioned, Lillard is from Oakland, Calif. He also wants to contend for a championship, and the Warriors have specialized in doing just that for several years now. It is not hard to believe that Lillard would have been open to playing for Golden State.

Paul was a lot cheaper than Lillard would have been, of course, so it is unclear if the Warriors would have been willing to meet the Portland Trail Blazers’ asking price.

Lillard now remains focused on finding a way to the Heat, according to multiple reports. His agent is even doing what he can to scare off other teams that might be interested.