NBA Rumors: Damian Lillard wants to play with Ben Simmons

The Portland Trail Blazers have been a major topic of discussion ever since the offseason. Damian Lillard has been the biggest focal point, but the organization has had a ton of other issues as well.

Just recently, they fired general manager Neil Olshey in a move that many believed to be long overdue. The team stated that he was in violation of things that went against their code of conduct.

This comes just a few months after they fired long-time head coach Terry Stotts and brought in first-time head coach Chauncey Billups – a move criticized by many.

Well, the team looks very similar to last year, and their defensive issues still remain. In fact, they have gotten the doors blown off of them in their last two games.

NBA Rumors: Damian Lillard has ‘grown frustrated’ with the Portland Trail Blazers

Now, new information is coming to light in regard to their star player. According to The Athletic (subscription required), Damian Lillard is growing frustrated with the organization.

In addition to that, there appears to be a rift forming between Billups and the players. Lillard wanted an experienced head coach, but instead got someone who had never done the job before.

Lillard has been extremely loyal to this organization and, according to Shams Charania and Sam Amick, intends to give them time to find a new leader of the front office.

However, he still wants to see major changes in regards to the roster. This roster has looked nearly the same for the better part of a decade, and something has to change.

NBA Rumors: Damian Lillard wants to play with Ben Simmons

The biggest rumor to come out of the piece is that Lillard has expressed interest in playing with disgruntled Philadelphia 76ers star Ben Simmons.

Ben Simmons has yet to play a game for the 76ers this season as he waits for them to trade him. He has been dealing with mental health issues, and the team has been fining him for not speaking with their people about it. The whole situation is a mess, to say the least.

With this new information, maybe a trade could get done sooner rather than later. It was rumored that the 76ers asked for CJ McCollum, a first-round pick, and one of Anfernee Simons or Nassir Little for Ben Simmons, and the Trail Blazers said no.

Well, no might not be the best answer anymore. With Damian Lillard clearly growing more and more frustrated, the Trail Blazers need to do something and they need to do it fast.