Report: Damian Lillard plans to ask the Blazers for a trade

Damian Lillard plans to ask the Portland Trail Blazers for a trade at some point over the next few days, a source close to the player told TrueHoop.

Following Portland’s exit in the first round of the playoffs, they parted ways with Terry Stotts and ultimately hired Chauncey Billups in what was a controversial decision. Lillard approved Jason Kidd and Chauncey Billups for the job. Kidd withdrew his name from consideration, while Billups was eventually hired despite a 1997 sexual assault allegation that Lillard was not aware of until the process began.

Lillard is signed until 2024, which gives him little leverage in making his way to a favorite destination. The Philadelphia 76ers, New York Knicks and Golden State Warriors have been mentioned prominently in trade rumors involving Lillard.

Chris Haynes of Yahoo! Sports reported in late June that Lillard may decide to ask the Blazers for a trade over concerns over the viability of their championship as well as backlash over his role in their search for a coach.