7 disgruntled stars that could be traded this summer

Damian Lillard, Portland Trail Blazers

Damian Lillard is arguably the most loyal NBA superstar of all-time. He has reiterated his belief in the Portland Trail Blazers again and again, despite rarely putting a championship caliber product on the floor. But as Lillard approaches the waning years of his career, cracks are starting to show.

During the previous offseason, Lillard re-upped in Portland at a lucrative rate, locking him into the franchise through the 2024-25 season. At the time, he said the franchise is where his heart lays.

After another frustrating season, however, Lillard is beginning to change his tone. There are young players on a solid development route in Portland, but the Trail Blazers have missed the postseason in consecutive seasons now.

“Not only will I have the decision to make, but I think the organization will too,” Lillard told ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith. “Are you gonna go young or are we gonna get something done?”

Given where the Blazers are in the Western Conference pecking order, the answer is probably the former. Whether or not that means Lillard would technically request a trade remains to be seen, but the 32-year-old is clearly getting antsy.

Lillard will always be a Portland legend, but it seems his chance to win a title with the Trail Blazers – or even make the NBA Finals with them – is fading. Don’t be surprised if Lillard wants to make a move, but one that won’t be hated on by fans.