Trail Blazers star Damian Lillard formally requested a trade away from Portland on Saturday, according to Shams Charania of The Athletic.
The soon-to-be 33-year-old Lillard has spent his entire career in Portland, who drafted him with the sixth pick in 2012.
In 58 games for the Trail Blazers last season, Lillard averaged a career-high 32.2 points, 7.3 assists and 4.8 rebounds per game on 46.3% shooting from the floor. The seven-time All-NBA selection made it clear to Portland’s front office that he wanted to win with the Trail Blazers, but was not interested in a rebuild. After the Trail Blazers failed to acquire a star to pair alongside Lillard and drafted Scoop Henderson with the No. 3 pick in the draft last week, it was clear that something was going to give between Portland and its franchise player.
