Damian Lillard’s growing discontent with the Portland Trail Blazers has been one of the biggest stories in the NBA over the past year.
Between his frustration with how the coaching search went and subsequent call-out of the team’s ‘failed’ free agency recruitment, Lillard has been very open with his annoyance.
Despite it, however – he only went as far as to issue Portland an ultimatum. He never actually demanded a trade, despite having one clear team in mind that he would’ve loved to land with.
Which begs the question: why hasn’t Lillard officially insisted on being dealt? This week, an answer emerged.
“There are many who believed then and continue to insist now that Damian Lillard was about ready to ask out; a source with knowledge of the situation believes Lillard is held back by both his loyalty to Portland and an unwillingness to go back on things he’s already said about sticking things out,” wrote Kyle Neubeck of Philly Voice this past week.
“He ultimately decided to give this another go, and Lillard has been provided roster upgrades and had a big voice in the coaching search. He may still ask out down the road, but only time will tell how long this honeymoon lasts.”
Jake Paul is ready for war. https://t.co/PmklEb92K8
— Game 7 (@game7__) September 22, 2021
The Philadelphia 76ers are desperately holding out hope that they can trade Ben Simmons for Lillard – but at the moment that deal doesn’t seem like it’s going to happen.
For now, Lillard wants to stay loyal to Portland. How long will that last? Time will tell.
Related: Kevin Durant Vetoes Blockbuster Nets Trade
A graduate from the University of Texas, Anthony Amador has been credentialed to cover the Houston Texans, Dallas Cowboys, San Antonio Spurs, Dallas Mavericks and high school games all over the Lone Star State. Currently, his primary beats are the NBA, MLB, NFL and UFC.
