Damian Lillard Shakes Up NBA: Requests Trade After 11 Seasons With Portland Trail Blazers

Photo: Instagram/Damian Lillard

Damian Lillard, the all-time leading scorer for the Portland Trail Blazers, has expressed his desire to leave the team after spending his entire 11-year career with them.

Lillard has been vocal about his ambition to contend for an NBA championship, and he believes that a change of scenery is necessary to fulfill that goal. According to sources familiar with the matter, Lillard has formally requested a trade from the Trail Blazers.

While specific details have not been announced publicly, there is reported interest from teams such as the Miami Heat and the Brooklyn Nets in acquiring the seven-time All-Star. Although Lillard supposedly prefers a move to Miami, the Trail Blazers are not obligated to facilitate that particular trade.

Photo: Instagram/Damian Lillard

General Manager Joe Cronin stated that while the team had expressed their desire to keep Lillard, he had notified them of his wish to play elsewhere. The organization remains committed to their goal of winning and will do what is best for the team.

Lillard's decision to seek a trade comes after multiple discussions with Portland's management about upgrading the roster to championship-caliber levels. However, it seems those efforts did not meet Lillard's expectations, leading to his desire for a move.

Throughout his career, Lillard has consistently showcased his exceptional skills, averaging over 24 points per game for the past eight seasons. He ranks fourth among active players in career scoring average, behind Kevin Durant, Joel Embiid, and LeBron James.

Despite his individual success, Lillard has yet to achieve significant postseason accomplishments, with the Blazers only winning four playoff series during his tenure. Although a dynamic player, Lillard's primary goal is to secure an NBA championship, a milestone that has eluded him thus far.

In an interview earlier this year, he emphasized the importance of being remembered for his principles and standing tall in every situation. Given Lillard's stature and accomplishments, any team that wishes to acquire him will likely have to offer a substantial package of players and draft picks to convince the Trail Blazers to part ways with their star player.

Lillard is set to earn nearly $46 million in the upcoming season, with the potential to earn up to $216 million over the next four years if he exercises his option for the 2026-27 season. While there was speculation about Lillard's future with the team when the Blazers selected point guard Scoot Henderson in the recent draft, the organization stated their intention to play both Lillard and Henderson.

Portland signed Henderson to a rookie contract on Saturday, expressing their excitement about his potential as a player. Damian Lillard's trade request marks a significant development in the NBA landscape, and fans across the league eagerly await the outcome as teams vie for the opportunity to add a player of his caliber to their roster.

Read Next: Dillon Brooks Signs $80M Deal With Houston Rockets, Bolsters Young Roster With Veteran Presence

Source: NBA 

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