Lillard is about to leave Portland.
‘Bleacher Report’ reported on the 2nd (Korean time) that Damian Lillard of the Portland Trail Blazers had requested a trade from the club.
Lillard, the sixth overall pick in the 2012 draft, is a one-club man who has only played for one Portland team since he turned pro. Even though many of the players he played with left the team, Lillard remained in Portland.
Even in a situation where the super team culture is leading the league trend, Lillard has shown loyalty as a franchise star. He was the heart and symbol of Portland, and the team did the best for Lillard with a big deal.
However, the tide has changed over the past two years, with Portland consistently ranked 13th in the West. In particular, in the 2022-2023 season, the team struggled even though Lillard had a career-high season with an average of 32.2 points.
Feeling the need for change, Lillard asked the Blazers for a clear roster boost this summer. However, the club’s power showed little sign of improving noticeably than before, and eventually Lillard requested a trade.
Portland is expected to accept Lillard’s request and seek a trade for him. With Miami and Brooklyn being mentioned as potential destinations for Lillard, the Clippers, Philadelphia, and San Antonio are also candidates. Reporter Shams Charania of ‘The Athletic’ said Lillard would particularly favor a move to Miami.
