NBA fans scorn at Damian Lillard for ‘unapologetic’ message during trade rumors
Lillard questions fans in response to trade request backlash.
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Damian Lillard (Photo by Twitter/NBA Central)
After more than a decade with the Portland Trail Blazers, Damian Lillard, one of the NBA’s most talented point guards, has made the difficult decision to request a trade. The 32-year-old, who has remained loyal to the franchise despite not being able to secure an NBA championship, believes that now is the right time for a change. Lillard’s desire to compete for a title before his window of opportunity closes has fueled this decision.
Lillard’s decision to seek a trade has reportedly been fueled by the frustration of the Trail Blazers’ recent draft selection of point guard Scoot Henderson. This move has left Lillard questioning the team’s commitment to immediate success and feeling that his chances of winning a championship with Portland are diminishing. As a result, he wishes to explore opportunities elsewhere that would allow him to contend for a title right away.
However, the response from NBA fans has been mixed. For years, fans have been calling on Lillard to request a trade from Portland, urging him to pursue an opportunity with a more competitive team. Yet now that he has taken that step, some of those same fans have turned on him. In response to the backlash, Lillard took to Twitter to defend himself, questioning whether he had misled or disappointed the fans in any way.
It’s in my blood to take the high road. I’d love to hear what fans are turning on… have I mislead them? Or anyone ? Fill me in.Damian Lillard wrote on X.
Lillard’s tweet came in response to a post from ChadinPortland, a prominent figure in the NBA community. ChadinPortland supported Lillard’s decision, citing the failures of the Trail Blazers’ previous front office to build a championship-caliber team around him and the current front office’s decision to prioritize a younger, rebuilding approach.
NBA fans mock Damian Lillard for trade request
NBA fans, who had long called for Damian Lillard to request a trade from the Portland Trail Blazers, have now turned against the star point guard. Criticism has been directed at Lillard in response to his “unapologetic” message amid the trade rumors.
Many fans have expressed disappointment with Lillard’s decision, viewing it as a betrayal after his 11 years of dedication to the Trail Blazers. One user wrote, “You’re just another Durant” comparing him to Kevin Durant, who famously left the Oklahoma City Thunder to join the Golden State Warriors in pursuit of a championship.
It is worth noting that Lillard’s lack of a no-trade clause significantly diminishes his leverage in negotiations. The Trail Blazers have the ability to trade him to any team they choose and can demand a substantial trade package in return. This situation puts Portland in a position of power, but it does not lessen the disappointment felt by fans at the prospect of losing their beloved superstar.
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Vivek Yadav
(624 Articles Published)