Last week, reports surfaced that Damian Lillard had requested a trade from the Trailblazers. During a press conference while with Team USA though, Dame denied that, and emphasized that he’s not 100% sure about his future. This comes after Portland recently hired Chauncey Billups as their new head coach.
Trade rumors surrounding Dame are still sky-high, though. According to The Ringer’s Kevin O’Connor, five teams are reportedly contacting Portland about Dame’s services.
These teams are said to be the Heat, Kings, Knicks, Rockets, and Sixers. If Dame really wants to win a title and does eventually want out, Miami and Philly would be the most fitting situations here. In the end though, Dame has shown that he wants to win a ring with Portland, and his loyalty has been great to see, ever since coming to the league in 2012.
The Blazers got bounced in the first round of the playoffs this year, by falling in six games to a Jamal Murray-less Nuggets team. Dame and CJ McCollum delivered impressive scoring, but it wasn’t enough in the end.