SI

NBA Fan in ‘Trade Dame’ Jersey Somehow Ended Up on ESPN Broadcast and Fans Lost It

The Damian Lillard trade rumors found their way onto the telecast of the 2023 NBA draft in an unexpected way.

Jelani Scott

NBA Fan in ‘Trade Dame’ Jersey Somehow Ended Up on ESPN Broadcast and Fans Lost It
NBA Fan in ‘Trade Dame’ Jersey Somehow Ended Up on ESPN Broadcast and Fans Lost It /
In this story:

The Damian Lillard trade rumors found their way onto the telecast of the 2023 NBA draft in an unexpected way on Thursday after various shots of a fan wearing a custom-made “Trade Dame ” jersey made the rounds online.

With the Trail Blazers owning the No. 3 selection, Lillard’s future was, once again, heavily discussed, though both sides shut down talks of a split before the draft. Ultimately, the Blazers used the pick on G League Ignite’s Scoot Henderson, despite their star guard’s reported preference for the selection to be traded for more win-now talent.

Given the amount of attention, it seemed fitting for Lillard to one of draft night’s trending topics. Of course, the “Trade Dame ” jersey made for a hilariously awkward visual thanks to the bold-minded fan, who explained his motivation to Sports Illustrated’s Robin Lundberg.

“I am a Damian Lillard fan, to be honest with you,” the fan told Lundberg. “That’s my guy…it’s just, it’s time to let it go.”

Call it disrespectful or all in good fun, but the fan’s jersey certainly made waves amongst fans on social media. Some even pointed out the fact the jersey could be seen behind ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith and Kevin Negandhi as they interviewed Henderson following the pick.

Needless to say, based on Thursday’s responses, the draft likely won’t be the last time “Trade Dame” trends this summer as an already-hot NBA offseason starts heating up:

Published
Jelani Scott
JELANI SCOTT

Home/Extra Mustard