Trail Blazers star Damian Lillard and his agent, Aaron Goodwin, are reportedly meeting with the organization on Monday in order to have a discussion regarding the direction of the franchise, according to NBA insider Chris Haynes.
Lillard, who has been the subject of trade rumors throughout the NBA offseason, has been vocal about his desire to remain in Portland and contend for a championship.
The Blazers owned the No. 3 pick in the 2023 NBA draft, and despite rumors that they could use it in a trade to acquire an established veteran, the organization opted to hold onto the selection and take Scoot Henderson.
Haynes’s report didn’t specify what members of the front office Lillard would be meeting with.
Reports indicated that Lillard was interested in joining the Heat if he’s traded from Portland. The 32-year-old is entering the third season of a four-year, $176 million extension he signed with the Blazers ahead of the 2021–22 season. He’ll be due $45.4 million in ’23–24 and $48.7 million in ’24-25.
Lillard featured in 58 games last season, averaging a career-high 32.2 points, alongside 7.3 assists and 4.8 rebounds. He’s played his entire 11-year career in Portland.
Portland Trail Blazers star Damian Lillard and his agent Aaron Goodwin are meeting with the team today to discuss the franchise’s direction, league sources tell @NBAonTNT, @BleacherReport. pic.twitter.com/mUgEDzEbsw
— Chris Haynes (@ChrisBHaynes) June 26, 2023
