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May 30, 2021; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; New York Knicks head coach Tom Thibodeau (left) and Julius Randle (30) react after Randle fouled out of the game against the Atlanta Hawks during the second half in game four in the first round of the 2021 NBA Playoffs at State Farm Arena. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports
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May 30, 2021; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; New York Knicks head coach Tom Thibodeau (left) and Julius Randle (30) react after Randle fouled out of the game against the Atlanta Hawks during the second half in game four in the first round of the 2021 NBA Playoffs at State Farm Arena. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports
One of the most exciting times during the NBA season is the trade season. With intense drama and teams making moves here and there, fans follow the trade market with all their attention. One of the biggest teams involved in the trade market is the Philadelphia 76ers. With the latest news coming out about Portland star Damian Lillard, Philly fans have a reason to worry.
Portland Trailblazers star Damian Lillard is all set to renew with his team, but the latest trends say if that deal goes otherwise, Lillard has a destination in mind.
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DENVER, CO – FEBRUARY 23: Monte Morris (11) of the Denver Nuggets defends Damian Lillard (0) of the Portland Trail Blazers during the third quarter at Ball Arena on Tuesday, February 23, 2021. (Photo by AAron Ontiveroz/MediaNews Group/The Denver Post via Getty Images)
Damian Lillard to prefer New York?
The Portland Trailblazers superstar Damian Lillard is looking for a huge contract from his team. According to sources, the player is expecting a huge pay rise in a two-year contract extension with Portland.
His current contract extension ends during the 2024-25 season. He is in the first of his four-year extension which reportedly earns him a gross of $176.3 million.
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May 27, 2021; Portland, Oregon, USA; Portland Trail Blazers point guard Damian Lillard (0) dunks the ball during the second half of game three in the first round of the 2021 NBA Playoffs against the Denver Nuggets at Moda Center. Mandatory Credit: Soobum Im-USA TODAY Sports
Now the player wants another two years to his contract. The team is ready to pay him $51.2 million during the 2025-26 season and another $55.3 million the subsequent 2026-27 season. If signed, this mega-contract would make him one of the highest earners in the league.
Although most teams expect Portland to extend Lillard, reports say he already has a destination in mind in case the extension doesn’t work out.
According to Bleacher Report, Damian Lillard may choose the New York Knicks over the Philadelphia 76ers in case he decides to leave.
How has he been this season?
The Portland Trailblazers are currently in 10th place in the Western Conference and Damian Lillard has been struggling all season. The veteran guard averages 24.0 points, 4.1 rebounds and 7.3 assists this season for Portland.
He has been struggling with injuries all season. The star has played around 29 games this season for the Portland Trailblazers. To further exacerbate his situation, Lillard has suffered an abdominal injury which will keep him out for a long time.
“Don't be surprised if Damian Lillard has played his last game of the 2021-22 NBA season.”
— NBA Central (@TheNBACentral) January 10, 2022
– @highkin
(Via https://t.co/4DGRBy9LdO) pic.twitter.com/tVGv3F1lSu
According to Bleacher Report, he might have played the last game of his season. Sean Highkin believes he might be out for the whole season.
Although nothing more is known about the extense of his injury, Portland have a lot to figure out regarding contract news of Lillard and finding a replacement for their superstar.
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Do you think Damian Lillard is going to leave Portland? Let us know in the comments below.
