During an NBA offseason full of trade rumors, perhaps no star player has had more speculation surrounding his future than Trail Blazers point guard Damian Lillard. Following a meeting on Monday between the seven-time All-Star and the organization regarding the direction of the franchise, Portland general manger Joe Cronin issued a brief statement Monday evening addressing the interaction.
“We had a great dialogue,” the statement read, per The Oregonian‘s Bill Oram. “We remain committed to building a winner around Dame.”
Despite the trade rumors, Lillard has been adamant about his desire to remain in Portland and play for a contender. He’s entering the third season of a four-year, $176 million extension. The Heat are reportedly interested in pursuing Lillard in a trade should the Blazers decide to make him available.
Lillard has spent his entire career with Portland after being taken with the sixth pick in the 2012 draft. The team’s best finish with Lillard on the roster was a ’19 appearance in the Western Conference finals, in which Portland was swept by the eventual champion Warriors. The team has not made the postseason in each of the past two years, combining for a 60–104 record.
Lillard was a third-team All-NBA selection last season, as he averaged a career-high 32.2 points per game over 58 contests. He shot 37.1% on three-point attempts, averaging 7.3 assists and 4.8 rebounds per game.
