There were reports earlier in the week that Damian Lillard was growing frustrated with the Trail Blazers’ performance, which we passed along.
Some have speculated that he could eventually request a trade out of Portland, something he continuously denies.
“I’m not asking for a trade,” Lillard said (via Ros Gold-Onwude of ESPN). “… My intentions are to be in Portland and to figure this out.”
Reports also suggested that tensions were rising between him and head coach Chauncey Billups, but instead, he made it known that he’s working with the former Finals MVP on trying to right the ship.
“Why would I be part of trying to find solutions if I’m planning an exit?” Lillard asked.
The Blazers are currently a half-game out of the final play-in spot out West. Time will tell if they can turn things around.
More NBA Rumors
- Despite the Rockets’ current seven-game winning streak, they remain open to trading Christian Wood, Tim MacMahon revealed on The Lowe Post (h/t RealGM). Houston is still taking a realistic approach to this season as a rebuilding team, but also still see Wood as young enough to be in his prime when their younger players mature into a playoff-contending roster, thus leaving the door open for him to remain in H-Town.
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The Warriors aren’t entertaining the thought of trading James Wiseman, according to Tim Kawakami of The Athletic. They view themselves as a good enough team to win a championship as things currently stand and are high on his upside as a future star in this league.
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Ben Simmons would welcome a trade to the Spurs, as he’s intrigued by being coached by Gregg Popovich, according to longtime journalist Marc Stein. However, the Spurs don’t have the star Daryl Morey is seeking in return, which could make a deal difficult between the two teams.
