Damian Lillard
Portland Trailblazers star Damian Lillard has long professed his loyalty to the franchise, even as he’s seen co-star CJ McCollum shipped out via trade to New Orleans. But after the Blazers tanked their way down the West standings this year, will we see Lillard change his tune?
Damian Lillard has been synonymous with Portland basketball since he was drafted in 2012. The star has career averages of 24.6 points and 6.6 assists but has averaged as high as 30 and 8 in a season in his time in Portland.
Statistics aside, Lillard also has countless clutch playoff moments, including series-ending threes against both the Rockets and the Thunder in his career.
This season though, the Trailblazers were finally fed up with falling short of the Finals. The franchise fired long-time coach Terry Stotts before the season, traded star CJ McCollum mid-season after a Damian Lillard injury, and have in the past few weeks shut down several players to ensure a high draft pick this summer.
LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: 3 Teams Who Should Prepare For Offseason Julius Randle Trade
Though Lillard has never spoken ill of the franchise publicly, it may be possible that they wish to move the star and start over with a new era of Portland basketball.
Damian Lillard is 31 years old. Still in his prime – but likely leaving it sometime in the next few years. He doesn’t have time in his career to patiently wait through a rebuild, and Portland may not be in a position to field a contender for him in the near future.
It wouldn’t be out of the question for Portland to move Lillard via trade this offseason, as the Blazers hope to position for the future around their young talent like Anfernee Simons, who has impressed this season.
LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: 3 Teams Who Should Prepare For Offseason Julius Randle Trade
Such a trade could be mutually beneficial, as Damian Lillard could be sent to a contending team, and perhaps bring his talent for thriving in clutch playoff moments to an NBA Finals.
