Blazers ‘Unequivocally’ Rejecting Trade Inquiries on Damian Lillard

While it’s been a busy trade deadline already, some stars actually won’t be on the move.

And according to the Trail Blazers, count guard Damian Lillard among them. Of course, that doesn’t keep other teams from asking. They’re just being told to forget about it, as relayed by Chris Haynes of Bleacher Report/TNT.

Teams that are bothering to ask about Lillard “are being told unequivocally that he is not available,” Haynes wrote.

Lillard has been a mainstay in Portland and from the sounds of things, he would like to keep it that way. Without a doubt, the Blazers want to keep it that way.

Along with his amazing talent, Lillard has been a true professional and remained devoted to the franchise. Plus, the Blazers have committed to building the team around him — having already agreed to one trade ahead of Thursday’s deadline.

That would be the one where they sent guard/forward Josh Hart to the Knicks for forward Cam Reddish and a draft pick (full post). Lillard has even already commented on it.

“You have to trust the process and that we’re positioning ourselves to be able to do something that really helps us,” he said, via Aaron Fentress of the Oregonian.

He also expressed some excitement about the new acquisition.

“I’ve always liked Cam Reddish a lot,” Lillard said, via Fentress. “I watch a lot of games and when I’ve seen him, he’s a guy that can shoot the ball. I think he’s a legit 6-8. A good athlete. And I’ve seen him in some matchups against some good players where he can really defend when he’s focused on it.”

Teams inquiring about Portland Trail Blazers star Damian Lillard are being told unequivocally that he is not available, league sources tell @NBAonTNT, @BleacherReport.

— Chris Haynes (@ChrisBHaynes) February 9, 2023