“This too shall pass and I’ll be all right” – Blazers star Damian Lillard stands FIRM amidst mounting trade situation
Damian Lillard confirms trade request, eyes championship pursuit.
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Damian Lillard (image via Instagram/@damianlillard)
Damian Lillard, the face of the Portland Trail Blazers since 2012, has officially confirmed his request to be traded. The news became public on July 1, and soon after, rumors started to circulate regarding Lillard’s preference to join the Miami Heat. In an exclusive interview with Andscape’s Marc J. Spears, Lillard chose to avoid in-depth discussions about the Trail Blazers and its management.
“I can say that there was [a trade request], and I would just prefer not to speak on the Trail Blazers,” Lillard told Spears. Delving deeper into his emotional state during this transitional phase, Lillard said, “The best word of advice is just that, ‘Everything will come to pass.’ When you’re in a little bit of a storm, a lot is going on and you’re being talked about, you get a little bit antsy and you feel like you got to react to stuff sometimes, but I know me. I know the type of principle I stand on. I know that I’ve been solid in everything that I’ve done every step of the way.”
It was earlier hoped by Lillard that the Blazers would strengthen their roster by adding experienced veterans. However, tensions might have increased when the franchise declined offers for the No. 3 draft pick and instead opted for Scoot Henderson, another point guard. The strategic move, seen by some as a questionable choice given their existing roster, has raised eyebrows in the NBA community.
Related: Damian Lillard REFUSES to break silence on Blazers amidst trade fiasco
Damian Lillard’s future and NBA’s stance on public trade request
The speculation about Lillard’s potential moves is evident, and it’s rumored that close friends have urged him to be patient, advising him to let the trade process unfold.
The NBA, for its part, isn’t hesitant to punish players who make public trade demands. James Harden’s recent $100K fine serves as a clear example of this. While Lillard has been more reserved in his statements, the NBA’s Collective Bargaining Agreement gives the league the authority to fine players up to $150K for public trade requests.
However, with Lillard’s earnings set at $45.64MM next season and approximately $48.8MM in 2024/25, the fine is a minor concern compared to his ultimate goal.
Lillard’s primary ambition remains clear: to win an NBA championship. He shared his passion for the title, saying, “When I wake up… you need something that you feel pretty strong about to stay committed the way I’ve been committed. It’s as high as it’s going to get. That’s ultimately what I want to experience.” As the NBA community watches closely, Lillard’s next move could define the trajectory of his illustrious career.
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Vivek Yadav
(624 Articles Published)