Portland Trail Blazers star Damian Lillard has been adamant that he doesn’t want a “youth movement.” The 32-year-old guard wants to play with the Portland Veterans in hopes of playing in a championship.
Brian Windhorst believes the Blazers can keep the No. 3 pick
.@employee Damian Lillard says he could ask Portland if they don’t trade pick #3:
The lady does not want a youth movement [and] He wants to play with the veterans.” pic.twitter.com/41iQzvip1g
GetUp (GetUpESPN) June 20, 2023
on Wednesday I wake upESPN’s Brian Windhorst shared an update on the Blazers’ draft strategy ahead of Thursday night.
“In discussions with teams in the last couple of days, the Blazers have started possibly suggesting that they won’t trade the No. 3 pick and that they may eventually decide to draft the player there, whether it’s Scoot Henderson or Brandon because they don’t necessarily like the options they’re offered at No. 3,” Miller said. Windhurst said.
At the end of last season, Lillard told the organization he wanted to stay in Portland if they built a roster that could compete for a championship. If Portland chooses to rebuild, Lillard will work with the team to explore a trade.
Damian Lillard wants to compete for a championship
With the news that the Blazers may retain the No. 3 pick in Thursday’s draft, Windhorst checked into Lillard’s camp to see if there was a “change of heart” about the star player’s desire to play with the veterans.
“I was unequivocally told no,” said Windhorst. The lady does not want a youth movement. He wants to play with the veterans. He wants the team to upgrade the squad quickly and immediately with seasoned players who can help him.”
Windhorst has indicated other ways to upgrade the roster with the veterans that don’t include pick #3. However, the pick could cause a rift between the Dame and the Blazers.
“If the Blazers don’t like what they’ve got to offer, and they use that pick on one of the young players, you could potentially cause trouble there with Dame Lillard, so keep an eye on that Thursday night,” Windhorst added.
If Lillard is traded from the Blazers, the Miami Heat are favorites to land the future Hall of Famer.