Damian Lillard has been the subject of many trade rumors over the last year, and Philadelphia 76ers fans let him know that he'd be welcomed with open arms by the City of Brotherly Love.
Lillard, 31, had 20 points and 10 assists in a 113-103 loss to the 76ers on Monday. On a free throw early in the first quarter, Lillard was serenaded by a chant of "We want Lillard!" from Philadelphia fans.
Sixers fans chanting loudest for a player on the other team pic.twitter.com/uWA52SV8Op
— NBC Sports Philadelphia (@NBCSPhilly) November 1, 2021
According to Derek Bodner of The Athletic, the 76ers are keeping a close eye on the possibility of a Lillard trade.
“With two major contenders off the board, and with Lillard’s eventual dissatisfaction with the Blazers’ chances entirely predictable, the Sixers’ position to land Lillard has grown stronger. And considerably so,” Bodner wrote.
The two contenders mentioned by Bodner are the New York Knicks and Miami Heat, who addressed their needs at point guard by signing Kemba Walker and Kyle Lowry, respectively. Meanwhile, Philadelphia is still trying to iron out an awkward situation with point guard Ben Simmons, who has made it clear he wishes to be traded by the 76ers and hasn't yet played this season.
Lillard has assured Portland fans that he doesn't want to be traded and told The Oregonian in October, "I love being a Trail Blazer. I love living in Portland. I love what I’ve built." Lillard is a six-time NBA All-Star and finished sixth in MVP voting last season.
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