Several NBA teams 'intensely monitoring' Damian Lillard's situation with Trail Blazers

Damian Lillard has been adamant about remaining loyal to the Portland Trail Blazers. However, that's not stopping teams from exploring a trade for the six-time All-Star. 

According to The Athletic's Shams Charania and Jason Quick, several NBA teams, including those in top markets, are "intensely monitoring" Lillard's situation in Portland to look for an opening to make trade offers. 

The news comes after Portland fired head coach Terry Stotts. Lillard entered the NBA at the same time Stotts became head coach of the Blazers, meaning the 30-year-old has never had a different voice on the bench through his career. 

Lillard also recently sparked trade speculation after the Blazers were eliminated from the playoffs with a 126-115 loss to the Denver Nuggets on Thursday. He posted a photo of himself on Instagram with the song lyrics, "How long should I stay dedicated? How long til opportunity meet preparation?"

At this point, though, there are no definitive signs that Lillard will be traded this offseason. He's expected to have significant input in Portland's search for a new head coach and said he prefers Jason Kidd and Chauncey Billups for the job.