While Damian Lillard has occasionally been the subject of trade speculation in recent years, the Trail Blazers haven’t exhibited any interest in moving him, and it sounds like Lillard doesn’t have much interest in leaving Portland either. Asked about his long-term future this week, the three-time All-NBA guard said it “would be an honor to be a lifetime Blazer,” as Michael Scotto of The Athletic relays.
“Not a lot of guys get to play for one organization for their entire career,” Lillard said. “Obviously, I love playing for the Blazers. I love living in the city. I feel like I’ve established a connection with the people and the culture of the city just as much as I’ve done on the basketball court, so that’s important. But, as we know, it’s a business and a lot of times organizations have other plans, and sometimes players change their stance on that. But to be a lifetime Blazer, that would be great. I’m all on board for it.”
With three years left on his contract, Lillard is unlikely to go anywhere anytime soon. The Trail Blazers were swept in the first round of the 2018 postseason, but remain confident in the current core, led by Lillard, C.J. McCollum, and Jusuf Nurkic. Portland re-signed Nurkic to a long-term deal this offseason, a move applauded by the team’s star point guard.
“I’m really excited to have Nurk back,” Lillard said. “I’ve got a really, really good relationship with Nurk. I’m excited for him signing his extension and coming into a big year for him.”
While the Trail Blazers will aim for better results in 2018/19 than they had last season, their roster looks similar to last year’s, with only a few minor tweaks. The front office has repeatedly dismissed the idea of breaking up the Lillard/McCollum backcourt, but another early playoff exit next spring could force the team to reconsider its options.
Currently, Lillard is Portland’s longest-tenured player, along with Meyers Leonard.
Listen up folks!
“Would be an honor to be a lifelong Blazer”… sounds like drug speak to me.
Damian Lillard is wasting his time with Olshey handling transactions. There’s no reason Lillard should be tied in tenure with Meyers. SMH
“I’d love to be a life long trail blazer.” What a shame and waste of time. He will never get a championship.
Nothing wrong with a guy being loyal. The Pacers wish Paul George would be loyal. They’re over it now. Oladipo is a true Hoosier!
$$$
Some guys count pay days, some guys count rings. Some get both but others are happy with getting paid and doing their best.
One good thing is the smaller Market teams that Lillard will be a blazer for life. Even as an older guy he’ll be revered in Portland.
So your getting traded soon just like that kid on the raptors wanting to be a lifer. He got traded
The fact that it’s close to the bay area appeals to him I’m sure and Portland isn’t a terrible place to live now either. If Olshey made some good moves they could be better. He’s got to send Evan Turner somewhere and Kent Bazemore would fit the team better as a 3/D guy than whatever Evan Turner is. Salaries match though they’d have to send Atl a pick, but what’s a mid to late 20s pick in a top heavy draft. Meyers Len will be harder to move. Maybe they take back a player that fits who another team might want to get rid of for a 2nd like a Jordan Clarkson? Idk they just need a tweak or two.
That is the measure of the man, I’d rather have someone like him than most other players. So he might retire without a ring, so what? He will just join the list of great legends that didn’t need to, like Stockton, Barkley, Malone, Ewing…