Damian Lillard Says Trail Blazers Don't Have to Make Big Trade to Keep Him

Even though the Portland Trail Blazers are in the midst of a disappointing season, Damian Lillard is unwavering in his commitment to the organization. 

Per The Athletic's Jason Quick, Lillard explained why his dedication to the team won't be impacted by anything that might happen before the Feb. 6 trade deadline:

"That don't have nothing to do with my commitment to the team. I mean, it's not like we are going to do something that is going to take us to the championship at this point. I think it's more important for us to protect the assets we have, the guys who are going to be here and who are going to help us going forward. I don't think it makes sense to sacrifice that just to make a desperate play.

"It's been a tough season, but the season is not over. We can make something of this season as we are, but it's not worth, you know, saying 'OK, let's force something and go do something that at the end of the day doesn't make sense.' But that has nothing to do with my commitment. I said it after last game (Golden State): I feel like I can find a way. I can weather the storm. I can go through hard times."

Lillard gave the Trail Blazers a long-term commitment in the offseason when he agreed to a supermax extension worth $196 million over four years. That deal kicks in starting with the 2021-22 season and runs through 2024-25. 

Expectations were high for the Blazers coming into the 2019-20 campaign after advancing to the Western Conference Finals last season for the first time in 19 years.  

Things haven't gone as expected because of a series of injuries and poor performances from players who were expected to be key contributors. Their 19-27 record is 11th in the Western Conference, 2.5 games behind the Memphis Grizzlies for the final playoff spot.

Jusuf Nurkic is still rehabbing after suffering a compound fracture of his left tibia and fibula last March. He returned to practice on Wednesday, but the team hasn't given an official timetable for his return. 

Zach Collins only played three games this season because of a dislocated shoulder suffered on Oct. 27 against the Dallas Mavericks. He is expected to miss at least four months, which would put him on track to return in February or March at the earliest. 

The Blazers attempted to offset some of their losses by signing Carmelo Anthony in November. He's been a valuable contributor with an average of 16.2 points and a 37.5 three-point percentage. 

Lillard is doing his part to keep Portland afloat in the west. The four-time All-Star is averaging a career-high 28.3 points and 7.6 assists per game and is shooting 45 percent from the field.