Damian Lillard’s growing discontent with the Portland Trail Blazers is the NBA’s worst kept secret at this point.
The Chauncey Billups hiring was obviously the most notable thing to damage the relationship between Lillard and the organization, but frustrations had been building for a while over other things as well.
On Friday, NBA insider Henry Abbott confirmed what many had long expected.
“A source close to Lillard says that in the days to come, he plans to request a trade,” he wrote.
Over the past few weeks, as rumblings began to intensify about Lillard wanting out, four teams emerged as very serious contenders for his services. One in particular stands out, however, because the interest appears to be mutual.
According to Grant Afseth of Sports Illustrated, “Lillard has his eyes on the New York Knicks.”
A few weeks ago, a report surfaced regarding what the Knicks were prepared to offer up in a prospective Lillard trade. Whether that has since changed remains to be seen.
Currently odds makers have the Knicks, along with the Philadelphia 76ers, as the favorites to land Lillard should a trade occur. Per SportsLine:
- Knicks +250
- 76ers +250
- Heat +300
- Warriors +400
- Lakers +500
- Clippers +600
- Mavericks +700
- Celtics +900
- Raptors +1000
Lillard is expected to make a definitive announcement on his future with the Blazers, what it may be, soon. At that point a clearer picture of next steps should emerge.
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