Even though he’s staying put in Portland for the 2021/22 NBA season, Damian Lillard’s future is still uncertain for many fans. The talented point guard was linked with many rumors during the 2021 offseason before he decided to stay for one more season with the team.
He’s getting ready to start a new campaign with head coach Chauncey Billups, trying to compete in a Western Conference where the Los Angeles Lakers are clear favorites to win it all.
Dame has stated he wants to win in Portland, but he could leave the organization if they fall short again this season. According to The Athletic, the All-Star point guard could ask for a trade if the team doesn’t have a good start to the new season.
But that deal isn’t happening for a number of reasons, chief among them the fact that Lillard — for now — has backed off quite a bit when it comes to his desire to be elsewhere. As our esteemed Blazers beat writer, Jason Quick, wrote recently, Lillard is focused on “going out on his shield” and trying yet again to take the Blazers to that elusive next level. His stance could certainly change if the Blazers get off to a bad start, but sources say Lillard wants to see how this early season goes while giving first-year coach Chauncey Billups a genuine shot at success along the way.
Lillard is a coveted asset around the league. If he’s available, plenty of teams will try to acquire his services. We could live another controversial saga like we did last year with James Harden and the Houston Rockets and, more recently, Ben Simmons and the Philadelphia 76ers.
Dame is ready to lead his team this campaign and run it back with a new head coach, but he will be ready to change teams if things don’t work in their favor.
