Damian Lillard Makes First Statement Since Trade Request To The Miami Heat
Damian Lillard has made his first comment since news broke that he requested a trade.
On Sunday afternoon, he responded to a fan defending him on Twitter.
Lillard has received criticism for "running from the grind" after requesting Portland trade him to the Miami Heat. He has spent his 11-year career with the Trailblazers, and they have been unable to build a roster strong enough capable of making the Finals. The Trailblazers made the Western Conference Finals once during Lillard’s stint with the team.
This led to the fan defending Lillard saying, "I can't blame him for wanting a change. The previous regime failed to build a legit team around him, and the current chose to go young and rebuild."
Neil Olshey was the Trailblazers’ general manager from 2012–2021. He failed to build a strong core around Lillard but refused to stop trying to rebuild. Joe Cronin took over as general manager in 2022, and just a year later, he decided to begin the rebuilding process.
Lillard’s response to the fan began by saying, "It’s in my blood to take the high road." He has never been known to respond to hate or cause drama throughout his career. He follows this statement by asking fans what they are turning on and if he has misled them or anyone else.
Some Trailblazers fans are responding to Lillard’s statement with thanks and praise for his time and services in Portland. While others are criticizing him for wanting an "easy ring" by requesting a trade to the Eastern Conference champions.
Anthony Pasciolla is a contributor to Inside The Heat. He can be reached at anthonypasciolla36@gmail.com
