Damian Lillard has been the NBA's poster child for staying loyal to a franchise. The Portland Trail Blazers star has spent all nine years of his career playing for one team.

In this era of player empowerment, gone are the days when guys like Kobe Bryant, Dirk Nowitzki, and Tim Duncan would last two decades without looking to jump ship. But after yet another disappointing playoff exit in the first round, fans are once again speculating if the Blazers star would consider a move out of Portland while he's still in his prime. This especially after his squad was eliminated just before the Los Angeles Lakers were too. Purple and Gold fans started foaming at the mouth at the possibility.

Lillard's latest Instagram post right after the Blazers' Game 6 ouster did nothing to dispel those whispers. Dame posted a caption from “Dedication,” a song by the late Nipsey Hussle:

“How long should I stay dedicated? How long til opportunity meet preparation” – @nipseyhussle

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Damian Lillard (@damianlillard)

The timing and caption of the post can definitely be interpreted as being discontent. On the other hand, it could also just mean Damian Lillard will just stay prepared, year after year, until he gets his opportunity to lead the Blazers to the Promised Land. But a quick search through NBA Twitter and you'll see endless clamor for Lillard to be traded. The Athletic's David Aldridge said it best in summing up the duality of social media, particularly for the Blazers star.

Given the kind of guy Lillard has shown to be, it's probably the latter. But that won't stop NBA circles from speculating all they want. The Blazers star is probably used to that by now, though.