Blazers: Trade Inquiries for Damian Lillard Shutdown – Woj

PORTLAND, OREGON - Damian Lillard (#0) of the Portland Trail Blazers passes the ball during the second quarter against the Boston Celtics at the Moda Center on March 17, 2023 in Portland, Oregon. (Photo : Alika Jenner/Getty Image)

"The person you are calling is unavailable right now."

The Portland Trailblazers have shut down the lines reserved for inquiries to Damian Lillard.

NBA insider Adrian Wojnarowski reported that the Blazers would no longer speak with anyone looking to trade for their superstar.

"He's not available now. He says he wants to be in Portland, and the Blazers have shut down anybody who's called about the possibility of trying to trade for him," Woj said during an appearance at PMS Live.

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The revelation came after discussing the summer plans of the Miami Heat, which Lillard himself named his preferred next destination.

The Blazers have been involved in many trade rumors lately, especially after the seven-time All-Star expressed a desire to fight for an NBA championship in the past months.

The team has the No. 3 pick in the upcoming draft, and many expect them to trade it for an All-Star caliber player to pair up with Lillard, who said he no longer wants to become part of a rebuild.

Lillard's Stance in All These Rumors

The team was rumored to be keen on trading him, but things have suddenly changed. Woj did not share details on whether the shutdown is temporary or applies to the summer free agency.

For his part, Lillard said that he would stick to the job that he needed to fulfill. The star said this during an Instagram live to answer an inquisitive fan.

"I keep seeing this clip about Miami and all these other teams," Lillard said. "Y'all be talking that, 'aw, he's loyal and you gotta do this.' Y'all don't got to walk in my shoes. I'm going to do me."

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