The Portland Trail Blazers had a poor run this season as they finished as the 13th seed in the Western Conference and missed the postseason. After the early exit, Blazers star Damian Lillard’s actions triggered rampant trade rumors in the NBA world. Just days ago, 19-year-old Scoot Henderson revealed his text conversation with Lillard and fans speculated about a possible team-up down the road. In addition to the ongoing rumors, Lillard’s recent statement further put the star’s future in Portland in doubt.

The Trail Blazers have ended the last two seasons as the 13th seed. Despite the 7x All-Stars’ shooting prowess, he couldn’t carry his team to the postseason. Besides that, he has also evidently expressed his disappointment with the team’s progress on various occasions. The star once openly replied to a fan who wanted a trade. 

Damian Lillard drops the time bomb on his future with the team

As mentioned earlier, Damian Lillard has been giving out mixed signals about his future with the Portland franchise. In April, appearing in a show with Stephen A. Smith, he insisted on the team’s management to make significant changes to the roster to compete in the league. Following that show, Lillard has constantly given out various signs highlighting his displeasure. 

As a recent addition, he opened up about his team’s possibility of adding strength to the roster in an interview with SHOWTIME Sports. He said, “We got an opportunity, asset-wise, to build a team that can compete.” However, as a twist in the tail, he also added, “If we can’t do that … then it’s a separate conversation we would have to have,” which further raised questions about his future with the team.

Even though it raised doubts about the star’s future, fans also focused on the ‘Asset-wise opportunity’ which Lillard referred to in his statement.

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The Blazers won the third pick in the 2023 NBA Draft Lottery and the analysts expect the team to pick the 19-year-old NBA G-League sensation Scoot Henderson if he is still on the table till then. Moreover, Henderson recently revealed his conversation with Lillard back in 2021. 

Scoot Henderson’s text conversation with Lillard

Henderson currently plays for the G-League Ignite team and is regarded as the best prospect after Victor Wembanyama in the upcoming draft. While Blazers aim to bag the rising star, he recently revealed the text message that he sent to Damian Lillard in 2021. 

Interacting with the press, Henderson said, “He text back earlier this year or last year… I seen him when I came in, dapped him up, it’s really cool. He’s a dog too.” Notably, he texted him regarding a bit of advice.

Watch This Story – Days After 19 YO NBA Prospect Revealed His Text Messages With Damian Lillard, the Blazers Star Dropped a Time Bomb on the Team’s Future

What do you make of Damian Lillard’s repeated actions pertaining to his future with the Blazers? Will he play the next season with the Blazers? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.