Damian Lillard FINALLY CONFIRMS plans for his immediate future in the NBA
Lillard wants to win now with Portland, but keeps his options open
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Portland Trail Blazers' Damian Lillard (Via Twitter)
Damian Lillard has been the face of the Portland Trail Blazers for over a decade. He led them to the playoffs for eight straight seasons between 2014 and 2021 before two disappointing seasons on the trot. The six-time All-Star and six-time All-NBA guard have put up stellar numbers this year, averaging 32.2 points and 7.3 assists per game. But he has not been satisfied with the team’s performance, as the Blazers have struggled to contend in the loaded Western Conference.
Lillard has expressed his frustration with the Blazers’ lack of progress and success. He has made it clear that he wants to see major changes and upgrades in the roster and the coaching staff, as he does not want to waste his prime years on a team that is not serious about winning a championship.
In a recent interview with Yahoo Sports, Lillard confirmed his plans for his immediate future in the NBA, saying that he wants to win now with Portland and that he trusts that the front office shares the same vision. He said: “I want to win right now. The Blazers tell me that they want to win right now. So for right now, I’m going in trusting that we’re all on the same page and that they’re going to do things to… put this roster in position to be a championship contending team.” The front office’s assurance means Lillard is likely staying put in Portland at least until the start of the 2023-24 NBA season.
But Lillard also said that he is not interested in bringing in young players who are years away from “going after it“, as he wants a chance to compete for a title while he is still in his prime. He said: “I don’t want to be a part of no rebuild or nothing like that. I want a chance to go for it.”
Damian Lillard’s future with Portland depends on how they perform this season
However, Lillard also hinted that his loyalty to Portland is not unconditional and that he may reconsider his future with the team if they fail to make major moves or show signs of improvement this season. He said: “If we don’t make strides and show signs of being a better team than we have been over these last few years, then I think it’s obvious that a conversation should take place.”
Lillard’s future with Portland hinges on how they perform and whether they can convince him that they are committed to building a contender around him. Lillard is under contract with Portland until 2025, but he has a player option for the final year of his deal. If he opts out, he could become an unrestricted free agent in 2024.
Lillard has been the subject of several trade rumors over the past few months, as many teams would love to acquire his services and pair him with another star. Lillard’s decision will ultimately depend on how the Trail Blazers perform and whether they can make him happy and hopeful in Portland. Lillard wants to win now with Portland, but he also wants to see some action from the front office and some results on the court.
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Ankush Singh
(616 Articles Published)