Depending on the veracity of several published media reports and countless unsourced rumors, Damian Lillard came close to requesting a trade from the Portland Trail Blazers this summer. But even if the greatest player in franchise history demanded to leave Portland with four years remaining on his contract, it seems clear Neil Olshey would have been extremely reluctant to honor his wishes.
Speaking with reporters at Media Day, the Blazers' president of basketball operations poured cold water on the burning possibility of the team willingly engaging in trade discussions on Lillard—not just now and in the immediate future, but ever.
Olshey on POR taking trade calls on Lillard: “We were never gonna be receptive to moving Dame [this summer]. We're never gonna be receptive to moving Dame.”
— Jack Winter (@ArmstrongWinter) September 27, 2021
Lillard hasn't broached a potential departure from the Blazers since quipping in early August on Instagram Live that he's “not leaving PDX…right now, at least.” He's apparently told multiple teammates that he's fully committed to Portland for the 2021-22 season, and lent further credence to that notion with a subsequent social media post about Rip City being “my city.”
View this post on Instagram
Olshey reiterated on Monday that Lillard is “all in” with Portland. That won't stop trade calls from coming, of course, especially if the Blazers get off to a shaky start this season under rookie coach Chauncey Billups. While Olshey, ever chummy with his executive peers across the league, may very well pick up the phone, it's more obvious than ever that Lillard won't be going anywhere anytime soon.
Follow Us
Subscribe