Trail Blazers star Damian Lillard officially requested a trade on Saturday following months of speculation over his future in Portland.
After the Blazers elected to hold onto the No. 3 pick and select Scoot Henderson in the 2023 NBA draft, Lillard met with the organization earlier in the week before reportedly making his decision on Saturday.
Following Lillard’s trade request, Trail Blazers GM Joe Cronin issued a statement.
“We have been clear that we want Dame here but he notified us today he wants out and he’d prefer to play someplace else. What has not changed for us is that we’re committed to winning, and we are going to do what’s best for the team in pursuit of that goal,” said Cronin.
Portland is reportedly seeking a “star-level return package” in exchange for Lillard, per Adrian Wojnarowski, who also indicated that Cronin will “look well beyond the Heat” in order to maximize the team’s return.
Reports indicated Saturday that the Heat were Lillard’s preferred destination, while the Nets were also floated as one of the “leading suitors” for the 32-year-old, per Shams Charania. Additionally, it was reported that the Clippers and 76ers had interest in a trade for the seven-time All-Star.
Lillard has played his entire 11-year career with the Blazers, who drafted him with the No. 6 pick in the 2012 NBA draft. He’s averaged 25.2 points per game across 769 games for the team. Last year, his 32.2 points per game ranked third in the league.
