On January 12th, 2021, reports surfaced that Portland Trail Blazers star Damian Lillard has requested a trade from the team. According to sources, Lillard has grown increasingly frustrated with the direction of the franchise and is looking to move on.
Lillard has been a cornerstone of the Trail Blazers since being drafted in 2012. He has been an All-Star six times, made five All-NBA teams, and won the Most Improved Player award in 2013. He has also led the team to the playoffs in seven of his eight seasons with the team.
The news of Lillard’s trade request comes as a surprise to many, as he has been a loyal member of the Trail Blazers organization for nearly a decade. However, it appears that his patience has worn thin and he is ready to move on.
It remains to be seen what kind of return the Trail Blazers will receive if they decide to trade Lillard. He is one of the best players in the league and could command a hefty package of draft picks and young players.
The Trail Blazers have been in a state of flux since their run to the Western Conference Finals in 2019. They have failed to make the playoffs in each of the past two seasons and have not made any major moves to improve the team.
It will be interesting to see how this situation plays out in the coming weeks. If Lillard is indeed traded, it could have a major impact on the balance of power in the NBA. It is clear that Lillard is ready for a change of scenery and it will be up to the Trail Blazers to decide if they are willing to part ways with their star player.
