Damian Lillard gives UNEXPECTED RESPONSE to Blazers fans who want to trade him, “start the petition”
Damian Lillard's Response to Trade Rumors: A Clear Message to Trail Blazers Fans
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Damian Lillard (Image via Sam Forencich/ Getty Images)
Damian Lillard, a seven-time All-Star, took to social media to respond to rising trade rumors and questions about his future with the Portland Trail Blazers. Lillard wrote, “Start the petition and send it in,” accompanied with a shrug emoji, in response to those who want to trade him. This comment was given in response to a Twitter post from a fan who questioned whether the team should think about trading the star player.
The timing of Lillard’s remarks is critical for the Portland Trail Blazers. Joe Cronin, the team’s general manager, now has more options after the NBA lottery results, as they moved up two slots to secure the third pick in the upcoming 2023 draft. Cronin emphasized that depending on how they approach the draft, it might influence the team’s future.
The organization may be thinking about several possibilities to increase the team’s competitiveness in the 2023–24 season, according to Cronin’s views and his earlier comments at the end of the regular season. The objective is to surround Lillard with talented players who can lead the Trail Blazers back to success.
“We don’t want to go through this anymore,” he said. “It’s time for us to start winning basketball games. Not just for [Dame] but for all of us. We don’t want to have another year like this.”
While speculation continues to circulate, there is no indication that Lillard himself wants to leave Portland. In fact, he recently signed a lucrative two-year, $121.8 million extension with the team, which will take effect in the 2025-26 season.
Lillard’s Stellar Season and the Trail Blazers’ Recent Struggles
Throughout the 2022-23 season, Damian Lillard showcased his exceptional skills, bouncing back after a previous year spoiled by injuries that limited him to just 29 games. He recorded a career-high average of 32.2 points per game and displayed impressive shooting accuracy from beyond the arc, hitting 37.1 percent of his three-point attempts.
Despite Lillard’s individual excellence, the team faced significant challenges. The Trail Blazers missed the playoffs for the second consecutive year, marking their first back-to-back postseason absence since 2011-12 and 2012-13. Additionally, they finished last in the Northwest Division this season, a feat not achieved since 2005-06.
With these disappointing results, the pressure to build a competitive roster around Lillard has intensified. The organization recognizes the need to deliver success and aims to address the team’s shortcomings. The upcoming draft presents an opportunity for the Trail Blazers to acquire talented players who can contribute immediately.
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Vivek Yadav
(624 Articles Published)