While Portland Trail Blazers star point guard Damian Lillard could be on the move this offseason to join a contender, there's reportedly one team that is not an option for him.
During an appearance on The Dan Patrick Show, B/R's Chris Haynes, who said he speaks to Lillard frequently, was asked about the possibility of Lillard joining the Boston Celtics this offseason and immediately shot it down, definitively saying, "He's not doing Boston."
Lillard has long stated his desire to remain loyal to Portland, but he's acknowledged that the team is unlikely to contend for a title while on the verge of a potential rebuild, one that would be officially set in motion by dealing him.
The Blazers own the No. 3 pick in this month's NBA draft after they finished this season with a 33-49 record, and the franchise has to decide whether to trade the pick to add a star next to Lillard or commit to building toward the future with a young roster.
During a recent appearance on The Last Stand with Brian Custer, Lillard discussed hypothetical trade scenarios and named the Miami Heat and Brooklyn Nets as his preferred destinations because of his close relationships with players already on those rosters.
"Miami obviously. Miami is the obvious one. Bam [Adebayo] is my dog. Bam is my dog for real. But I mean I think Miami is the obvious one," Lillard said. "Brooklyn is another obvious one because Mikal Bridges is my dog too. I mean, both have capable rosters."
Lillard added that his loyalty to Portland hasn't changed, but he's aware that the team's goals may not align with his at this stage in his career.
"I want to have an opportunity to win in Portland. … We got an opportunity, asset-wise, to build a team that can compete," Lillard said. "... If we can't do that, then, you know, obviously, like I've said, you know, for months now, like then this is a separate conversation that we would have to have."
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