During an off-season NBA season riddled with trade rumors, perhaps no star player had more speculation about his future than Trail Blazers point guard Damian Lillard. After a meeting Monday between the seven-time All-Star and the organization regarding the direction of the franchise, Portland general manager Joe Cronin issued a brief statement Monday night addressing the interaction.
“We had a great dialogue,” the statement read. for every OregonianBill Oram. “We remain committed to building a winner around the lady.”
Despite the trade rumors, Lillard was adamant that he wanted to stay in Portland and play for a competitor. It is entering the third season of a four-year, $176 million extension. The Heat are reportedly interested in pursuing Lillard in a trade if the Blazers decide to make him available.
Lillard has spent his entire professional career with Portland after earning the sixth pick in the 2012 draft. The team’s best result with Lillard on the roster was 19 appearances in the Western Conference Finals, as Portland was swept by the eventual champion Warriors. The team has not made the postseason in each of the past two years, compiling a 60-104 record.
Lillard was a third-team All-NBA selection last season, averaging a career high 32.2 points per game over 58 contests. He shot 37.1% on three-point attempts, and averaged 7.3 assists and 4.8 rebounds per game.