Damian Lillard is setting the record straight on trade talk.
The Trail Blazers point guard has been the subject of trade rumors since the end of Portland's season, with the Knicks, Lakers, 76ers and Heat pegged as potential destinations.
But, not so fast, Lillard says. Speaking before Team USA basketball practice Wednesday, the superstar guard said there's nothing to talk about until there's something to talk about.
Damian Lillard on trade speculation:
— Knicks Videos (@sny_knicks) July 8, 2021
"It's a lot of things being said, sometimes words being put in my mouth when I haven't said anything. It's been a lot of talk. I don't really have nothing to say to you guys about it." pic.twitter.com/WAaU6j7bKo
At this point, it’s a lot of things being said, sometimes words being put in my mouth, and I haven’t said anything. I think, it should be all of the people who've covered me since I’ve been in the NBA, they know that if there’s something to be said or if I think something or have something to say, I’m going to say it and I’m going to stand on it. Like I said, it’s been a lot of talk and nobody's heard what I've said, nobody's heard me say any of these things.
But anything that I have to say, I'm going to say it directly to Neil (Olshey) and I’m going to address it directly with my team. I don’t really have nothing to say to you guys about it. Everything that I need to say and that I feel has been said to Neil. So, there's really nothing else that I have to say about it.
MORE: Two factors that could push Lillard out the door in Portland
Lillard reportedly has yet to formally request a trade from Portland, though the market for him should he become available is expected to be robust.
The Knicks are one of the teams reportedly interested in Lillard's services, with the front office reportedly doing its "homework" on the 30-year-old. He's entering big-money years on his contract, with a $176 million extension beginning this upcoming season and ending after 2025.
The Blazers parted ways with head coach Terry Stotts after the season, replacing him with Chauncey Billups, a move that Lillard reportedly supported. Still, the trade rumors persist.
But, while there may be smoke, there's not fire. Not yet, at least.
