Damian Lillard has preached loyalty to the Trail Blazers throughout the franchise’s repeated woes over the last few years. When other superstars fled their teams in free agency or via trade requests, he stayed put. But it’s been 11 years since Portland drafted him and it appears he’s reached his limit.
Lillard has requested a trade from the franchise and fans have criticized him for wanting out after so much talk of wanting to stay put. On Sunday, he addressed the criticism and is looking for answers.
“It’s in my blood to take the high road,” he wrote on Twitter. “I’d love to hear what fans are turning on… have I mislead them? Or anyone ? Fill me in.”
It’s in my blood to take the high road. I’d love to hear what fans are turning on… have I mislead them? Or anyone ? Fill me in https://t.co/rkn7irDlpo
— Damian Lillard (@Dame_Lillard) July 2, 2023
Lillard appears to be insinuating he never lied or led fans astray, and is looking to start a dialogue. According to The Athletic, the seven-time All-Star is set on playing for the Heat and wants to be dealt there. However, he doesn’t have a no-trade clause and Portland intends to send him to whichever NBA squad gives it the best deal for the franchise point guard, per ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski.