Is NBA superstar Damian Lillard going to request a trade out of Portland? This seems like the only way that he will be traded from the Trail Blazers.

The franchise decided to split up their long-time duo when CJ McCollum was sent to the New Orleans Pelicans. When this happened, it seemed like Lillard was going to stick around but he has the ability to request a trade and force his way out of town.

Now would be a good time given the fact that the Blazers finished near the bottom of the West. It would also make sense for Portland if they want to rebuild around their top draft pick.

Lillard played just 29 games this season, which was a huge reason why the Blazers struggled. This is not like Lillard, who has remained durable over the course of his career.

LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Damian Lillard Reveals Thoughts On His Future With Trail Blazers

Since coming into the league in 2012, Damian Lillard has played at least 66 games each year until this one. He played all 82 games over the first three years of his career and did not play less than 73 games until 2019.

At 31 years old, Lillard has plenty left in the tank but needs to be able to contribute to a contender. He has solidified himself as one of the best shooters in the game. He is a career 37.3% from three-point range and that number has crept closer to 40% over the last three years. 

Three-point shooting, overall scoring, leadership, and point guard play – Damian Lillard brings plenty to the table and there should be many teams interested in a trade. Let’s take a look at three major options that should monitor Lillard moving forward.