Damian Lillard has been methodical as he decides whether or not he wants to stay in Portland, but that still isn’t enough for some fans.
After news broke that Lillard had asked the Trail Blazers to send him elsewhere after years of loyal service, it wasn’t enough for the veteran officer to rid himself of angry fans on social media unharmed.
And Lillard answered on Sunday.
“It’s in my blood to take the high road. I’d like to hear what the fans are playing… Did I mislead them? or anyone? Lillard tweeted.
The seven-time NBA star took his time deciding his future in the City of Roses and after the Trail Blazers had a quiet opening day of free agency, Lillard asked for a trade.
The Miami Heat is said to be Lillard’s most desirable destination, though ESPN reports that Portland is open for business to other teams.
Lillard has spent his entire career with the Trail Blazers and has expressed his desire to stay there if the team can bring in talent to make it competitive next season.
Despite his commitment to the organization throughout his career, it appears not to have shielded him from some of the criticism over his decision to ask for a trade.
The 32-year-old Lillard is interested in fighting for the NBA title and was coming off the best season of his career in 2022-23.
He averaged 32.2 points per game, along with 7.3 assists and 4.8 rebounds.
Lillard seems inclined to want to go to South Beach and play for the Heat, but the deal won’t be simple and the Trail Blazers won’t send him there unless the right package presents itself, according to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski.
“The Blazers front office, their organization, they made it clear to the teams who called yesterday about Damian Lillard that they are open to working everywhere in the league on him,” Wojnarowski said during an appearance on SportsCenter Sunday.
