At least that’s what his Twitter likes seem to say.
NBA insiders Adrian Wojnarowski and Shams Charania have both reported that Damian Lillard finally wants out of the Portland Trail Blazers. After years of declaring that he wants to win a ring in Oregon, the Blazers to this day remain far from title contention—and it’s really hard to blame Dame now.
It seems, however, that Lillard’s hand had just been forced, and some signs point that he is leaving Portland with a heavy heart.
On Instagram, the Weber state product received heartwarming words from Blazers fans after news of his trade request came out. And Lillard reposted lots of them. It’s as if he’s saying goodbye.
IG user @lakayana seems to understand Dame’s decision.
“We loved everything you did for Portland,” the netizen wrote. “It’s time for Dame Time to bring that greatness to a new city. Go chase that ring.”
Another Blazers fan in @dr.bethanytennant said that Lillard will remain beloved in Rip City.
“Only appreciation and respect. Beyond the court, his community involvement, authenticity, and consistency made such an impact in Portland.”
The bigger sign of where Damian’s heart is right now is arguably found on Twitter. As user @DameAflame let out a controversial take involving LeBron James and his 2016 title run for the Cleveland Cavaliers, the team that drafted him back in 2003.
“Need Dame to pull some LeBron type s**t, goes to Miami, win a couple rings, then come back home and win [the title]. PORTLANDDDDDD, THIS IS FOR YOUUUU.”
Lillard liked the tweet.
Do all these stories and tweets represent the seven-time NBA All-Star’s own thoughts? No. But in this day and age, we follow where the bread crumbs bring us.
Right now, the entire NBA fanbase is on wait-and-see mode as Lillard and the Blazers work out a deal. Woj says the Miami Heat, Los Angeles Clippers, and Philadelphia 76ers are expected to lure him from Portland. Shams also reported the Heat’s interest, alongside with that of the Brooklyn Nets. The Heat, which lost two vital cogs in its Finals run this year, sound like the favorites.
Where do you think will Dame go?