During the NBA offseason, Damian Lillard’s name became a prominent fixture in trade rumors, marking a departure from previous summers when such speculation was common but never resulted in him requesting a trade from the Portland Trail Blazers.
Consequently, the offseason was filled with numerous rumors and storylines, a rarity for Lillard, who had largely steered clear of drama throughout his career.
Acknowledging that his trade request might have changed how some people perceive him, especially since he initially expressed a desire to be traded exclusively to the Miami Heat, Lillard remained unfazed by the criticism. In a recent interview with SiriusXM NBA Radio, he shared his perspective.
Lillard stated, “I believe everyone has their moments in the spotlight. Whether it’s due to a controversial action or a decision that doesn’t align with public opinion, criticism and backlash are part of the game. Nobody remains universally beloved all the time, and I’m comfortable with that because I know who I am. I didn’t feel the need to justify my actions.”
Initially, Lillard had his sights set on the Miami Heat, seeing it as a place where he could contend for a championship while also facing a challenge. Joining a powerhouse team was not his intention. However, the Heat option did not materialize, and Lillard discussed this situation during the interview.
He explained, “It wasn’t a secret that I wanted to be in Miami when I requested a trade. The conversation began with the promise of helping me reach that destination.
I thought, ‘Okay, this is where I want to be, and you said you’d assist me in getting there.’ But communication with that team eventually dwindled. My aim was to initiate a conversation with them rather than opting not to show up. Regardless, I would have shown up because that’s who I am.”
Lillard emphasized that his image has never been carefully crafted; he has always been himself, stating, “I’ve never tried to maintain a particular image. What you see is what you get.”
Regarding the numerous rumors and reports that circulated during the offseason, Lillard addressed them as well, noting, “I observed many people reporting on my situation, and they were saying things that I was completely unaware of.
They don’t know me personally; they are individuals who cover the NBA and are familiar with how things usually unfold. Because they don’t have an intimate knowledge of me, they assumed it was just another case of a disgruntled player making behind-the-scenes moves and comments.”
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