Blazers’ Damian Lillard: I’m Not Seeking A Trade

Trail Blazers guard Damian Lillard reportedly isn’t thrilled with the way things have gone lately, but he still is staying committed to the franchise.

At least, that’s what he says.

“I’m not asking for a trade,” Lillard told reporters at Tuesday’s shootaround. “… My intentions are to be in Portland and to figure this out.”

Lillard was in the news earlier this week after The Athletic reported he wants the Blazers to explore a trade for available 76ers star guard/forward Ben Simmons. That subject wasn’t broached during shootaround.

All Lillard really did was make it clear he understands the organization is in a bit of an upheaval after firing GM Neil Olshey last week. Also, first-time coach Chauncey Billups is still understandably in an adjustment phase.

Lillard implied he is fine with sticking it out through it all — and that he and Billups talk every day in Billups’ office.

“Why would I be part of trying to find solutions if I’m planning an exit?” Lillard asked.

None of this is to say it’s been easy season. Entering Wednesday, the Blazers (11-14) had lost six of seven and were a miserable 1-10 on the road.

“Lillard’s decline in production is also contributing to his frustration,” relayed Luke Adams of Hoops Rumors. “He’s dealing with an abdominal injury that will keep him out of action at least through the end of the week. His scoring average has fallen from 28.8 PPG last season to 21.5 PPG now.

“He’s getting fewer shots in Billups’ offense and is connecting at a career-worst 39.7% from the field and 30.2% on three-pointers. He’s also being used in pick-and-rolls less frequently than under Stotts and is seeing fewer free throw attempts.”