It’s been a somewhat open secret that Trail Blazers point guard Damian Lillard has been frustrated in Portland. A fourth first round exit in the last five years combined with a reported disapproval of the hiring of new head coach Chauncey Billups, it has seemed more and more likely Lillard would be looking for a way out.
That time may have come as True Hoop’s Henry Abbott reported that “a source close to Lillard says that in the days to come, he plans to request a trade.” It should be noted that Lillard’s teammate, Jusef Nurkić, has been very much denying Abbott’s report and that The Oregonian has a source that says Abbott’s report is not true and that Lillard is not planning to request a trade. Lillard will be addressing those reports in his media availability with Team USA on Friday.
Nevertheless, whether Lillard plans to request a trade or not, it’s gotten social media reacting and wondering where the 31-year-old might possibly play next.
LeBron walking up in the Lakers facility after hearing Damian Lillard may request a trade pic.twitter.com/dC8THfEO9s
— Buzzer (@buzzer) July 16, 2021
If damian lillard goes to the knicks he’s automatically the new mayor and the election no longer needs to be held
— Desus Nice (@desusnice) July 16, 2021
Lots of Lakers fans at the USA-Argentina game in Las Vegas making their personal pitch to Damian Lillard to join their team from the stands.
“Come to Los Angeles!”
“L.A. loves you!”
“Future Laker Dame!” pic.twitter.com/zKDPJfokqH
— Arash Markazi (@ArashMarkazi) July 13, 2021
Source: I would like Damian Lillard to play for the Lakers next season.
— Silver Screen and Roll (@LakersSBN) July 16, 2021
NBA teams looking at Damian Lillard like pic.twitter.com/dwrtHfJAkf
— FanDuel Sportsbook (@FDSportsbook) July 16, 2021
LeBron James and Anthony Davis knowing they about to get Damian Lillard for Kyle Kuzma, Montrezl Harrell, A Lakers fleece blanket, and a Staples Center season ticket pic.twitter.com/xQYXd4SYpH
— The Sixth Men (@thesixthmen_) July 16, 2021
“The Knicks are going to trade the farm and finally get an NBA superstar in Damian Lillard”
Reality:pic.twitter.com/Bw7ICb8C4N
— Tyrone Stevens (@TyroneCStevens) July 16, 2021
If Damian Lillard truly does request a trade, I'm out. Need a break. Not supporting this shit anymore.
— Andy Johnson (@TheDirtJohnson) July 16, 2021
Per a source close to @canishoopus, Damian Lillard is “aware they exist” when it comes to the Minnesota Timberwolves.
— Kyle Theige (@KyleTheige) July 16, 2021
Serious trade negotiations going down here in Las Vegas @Dame_Lillard pic.twitter.com/an0cml0hqx
— Casey Holdahl (@CHold) July 13, 2021