Damian Lillard really could be on his way out of Portland.
According to Chris Haynes of Yahoo! Sports, the backlash from the Trail Blazers’ process to eventually hire Chauncey Billups as their new head coach, as well as concerns on whether or not a championship contender can be built, have become factors that could push Lillard out the door in Portland.
Neither Billups nor anyone the Trail Blazers interviewed for head coach were from Lillard’s list of suggestions, which was conducted by team president of basketball operations Neil Olshey.
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Fans have recently attacked Lillard on social media for the reported coaching hire despite his lack of a role in the process.
Billups, an assistant coach with the Los Angeles Clippers, is expected to be officially announced as head coach of the Trail Blazers on Tuesday.
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Lillard is believed to have a good relationship with Billups, but he was unaware of past sexual assault allegations against the former star from 1997.
Lillard signed a $176 million extension in 2019 through the 2024-25 season and has seemingly enjoyed playing in Portland. If he were to request a trade, Lillard would become the most sought-after piece of the NBA offseason.
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