Damian Lillard Rumors: Exec Says Blazers Won't Trade Star Unless He Requests Deal

After 11 loyal seasons of service with the Portland Trail Blazers, Damian Lillard has earned the right to call the shots on the future of his NBA career.

And with the seven-time All-Star saying as much Wednesday, the organization is reportedly ready to do what it takes to make its superstar happy, regardless of whether he's in Portland.

Heavy.com's Sean Deveney reported Thursday that if the Trail Blazers are going to rebuild and trade Lillard, they won't do it if he doesn't ask for it. One NBA executive told Deveney:

"They're not going to trade him on their own. He is going to have to come to them and say, 'OK, it is time, let's move on. They're not just going to ship him out to get rid of him. He has shown them loyalty and they're going to do the same. But more and more, there is a bigger chance he will ask out. He could very well be the focal point of all talk in the next couple months."

Lillard has been the lone bright spot for a struggling Portland franchise over the past few seasons, dazzling fans with his offensive performances. This year, he finished third in the league in scoring at 32.2 points per game to go along with 7.3 assists and 4.8 rebounds in 58 contests.

He became just the eighth player in NBA history to score 70 or more points when he dropped 71 against the Rockets in February. Lillard also had 50- and 60-point performances this year.

Meanwhile, the Trail Blazers haven't taken advantage of their superstar's prime, failing to surround him with the talent necessary to become serious contenders.

In 2018-19, Lillard willed the organization to an appearance in the Western Conference Finals for the first time since 1999-'00.

Since then, the Blazers have been bounced in the first round twice and have missed the playoffs altogether the last couple of seasons, including a 33-49 campaign this year.

So far, Lillard has remained committed to bringing a championship to Portland since he was drafted No. 6 in 2012 out of Weber State. He even signed a two-year extension through 2026-27 this past offseason.

But it may have gotten to the point where it'd be best for both sides to go their separate ways.