It's about Dame Time.
After persistent trade rumors that have lingered for months, it was reported on Saturday morning that Damian Lillard has requested to leave the Trail Blazers. A trade of the Portland superstar would be a major shakeup in the NBA landscape.
ESPN Sources with @RamonaShelburne: Portland G Damian Lillard has requested a trade and the franchise is expected to work to accommodate him. pic.twitter.com/Qhrdj70sFX
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) July 1, 2023
Lillard has been among the most important players in Trail Blazer history. He was drafted sixth overall in 2012 and immediately won Rookie of the Year. He is the franchise's all-time points leader with 19,376, passing Clyde Drexler who had 18,040, as well as 3-point field goals (2,387) and 3-point field goal attempts (6,410). Lillard is also second in assists (5,151), third in games (769) and second in minutes (27,942).
The point guard has been a seven-time All-Star and was pivotal in leading Portland to seven straight playoff appearances, the second-longest run in team history. However, Portland was never able to make it past the Western Conference Finals, which it reached just once.
MORE: Lillard trade destinations
Lillard is certain to draw plenty of trade interest, with several high-profile contenders likely topping the list of teams that will be interested in acquiring the star scorer. The reigning Eastern Conference champion Heat top the list of likely suitors, while others like the Nets, Raptors and Knicks should find themselves in the mix.
It should come as no surprise that Lillard's trade request has rocked the NBA world, with fans expressing optimism that the next stop in Lillard's career is their favorite team, while others are just shocked to see the likely end of his 11-year run in Portland.
Damian Lillard finally requesting a trade out of Portland pic.twitter.com/ZdWeMzOK7n
— Complex Sports (@ComplexSports) July 1, 2023
Dame has requested a trade pic.twitter.com/Dv1sdHsxmE
— philip lewis (@Phil_Lewis_) July 1, 2023
I can’t believe Dame Lillard finally did it, but it had to be done! Let’s talk. pic.twitter.com/KWh00ip6ky
— Emmanuel Acho (@EmmanuelAcho) July 1, 2023
“Dame has earned a bigger stage.”@ColinCowherd reacts to Damian Lillard reportedly requesting a trade out of Portland pic.twitter.com/vqrBEsh8x2
— The Volume (@TheVolumeSports) July 1, 2023
It’s about DAME TIME Lillard requested a trade from Portland. He gave his all to the city and the team. Now it’s time to go get a ring. pic.twitter.com/1paoHihKyu
— Robert Griffin III (@RGIII) July 1, 2023
A live look at @Dame_Lillard requesting a trade from Portland at the ESPN offices. What’s next? pic.twitter.com/vSWEpcxbrG
— Max McGee (@MaxMcGeeTV) July 1, 2023
Heat waiting for Dame outside the Blazers facility pic.twitter.com/K03otz4qhG
— Josiah Johnson (@KingJosiah54) July 1, 2023
Yo Dame, pick up the phone pic.twitter.com/G4pRNtL4YH
— Brady Hawk (@BradyHawk305) July 1, 2023
It’s happening!!!!!! Dame to Miami!!!! pic.twitter.com/nfOaBkqvEs
— Brandon. (@FameAdventura) July 1, 2023
DAME IS COMING TO MIAMI pic.twitter.com/lTu2owqsVP
— Buhownz 🪼 (@Demar305) July 1, 2023
It’s Dame time https://t.co/KXsYsTMtdR pic.twitter.com/txhsmx8FDJ
— 𝐁𝐨𝐛𝐛𝐲𝐬𝐖𝐨𝐫𝐥𝐝 🌎 (@BobbysWorld414) July 1, 2023
ITS DAME TIME 👁️
— 𝙃𝙀𝘼𝙏 𝙉𝘼𝙏𝙄𝙊𝙉 (@HeatvsHaters) July 1, 2023
Depression pic.twitter.com/VgEy7ZmzEj
— 𝘋𝘢𝘮𝘦_𝘛𝘪𝘮𝘦 ⌚️ (@Dame_Time1023) July 1, 2023
Dame planned the Twitter break I’m convinced
— Nekias (Nuh-KY-us) Duncan (@NekiasNBA) July 1, 2023
