The Portland Trail Blazers are going through a tough time at the moment as they are still looking to get through their mediocre start under first-year coach Chauncey Billups as well as undergoing a change after the team fired GM Neil Olshey recently.
One would think that the turmoil going on in the Pacific Northwest that it would give the Philadelphia 76ers a chance to swoop in and try and grab a guy like Damian Lillard. The star point guard has expressed frustrations in the past and the Sixers do have a lot to offer the Blazers in exchange for Lillard, but the Portland leader has remained loyal to the organization and he will continue to work out with Billups and the franchise.
With the Blazers preparing to take on the Golden State Warriors on Wednesday, Lillard was asked about the trade rumors at the team’s shootaround. He reiterated that he is not asking for a trade and is prepared to work out it with the Blazers although Philadelphia will remain patient to see if Lillard has a change of heart.
At Trailblazers shootaround today Damian Lillard strongly addressed the rumors and noise:
“I’m not asking for a trade.”
“My intentions are to be in Portland and to figure it out.”
He added he’s in the office w/ Chauncey everyday trying to find solutions, not planning an exit.
— Ros Gold-Onwude (@ROSGO21) December 8, 2021
At this point, Lillard’s loyalty has to be applauded, but it also does not look like he will be an option for the Sixers any time soon. President Daryl Morey might have to truly pivot from this and find other star options, like maybe James Harden, to put next to Joel Embiid.
This post originally appeared on Sixers Wire! Follow us on Facebook!
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