In an interview, Portland Trail Blazers star Damian Lillard confirmed that he made a trade request but wisely chose not to elaborate on that further.
The seven-time All-Star, however, made it clear that while he did make that request, his heart and all the things he has started for Portland remain and that he intends to finish it.
"I can say that there was [a trade request] and I would just prefer not to speak on the Trail Blazers," the 33-year-old cager stated.
Lillard gave his take during an exclusive interview by Andscape at Formula Zero Elite Camp last August 18.
It was understandable that the 2013 NBA Rookie of the Year was being careful about what he would say to anyone regarding the Blazers and the celebrated trade request.
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Besides, the league had already sent out a memo to all NBA teams regarding the Lillard case, ESPN reported.
Should Lillard or his agent, Aaron Goodwin, make any future comments that came close to suggesting that the All-Star guard would not fully perform the services called for under his contract in the event of a trade, the 6th overall pick of the 2012 NBA Draft would be subject to disciplinary action.
One can only refer to the case of James Harden of the Philadelphia 76ers, who drew a hefty $100,000 fine for his comments while he was in China. That, however, is being contested by the National Basketball Players Association.
Dame will finish what he started
Although he appears to be leaving the Trail Blazers, Lillard clarified that his love for Portland remains.
"Every initiative that I've started, I'll continue and I'll finish regardless of anything. The love will be that because the way I've said I feel about Portland is how I feel about Portland. I say what I mean and I mean what I say. It's been fine. It's been what it's always been ..." Lillard said.
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