Report: Lillard met with Blazers owner over direction of franchise
Garrett Ellwood / National Basketball Association / Getty
Portland Trail Blazers point guard Damian Lillard met with team owner Paul Allen last week to gain assurance that the team was devoted to pursuing a championship-caliber roster, sources told ESPN's Chris Haynes.
Allen feared prior to the meeting that Lillard could request a trade, sources told Haynes. No such request has been reported.
Lillard, 27, is under contract with Portland until 2021. The Blazers are on track to make the postseason for the fifth straight year, but it's unlikely they currently have the talent to make a championship run.
It's not uncommon for Allen - the co-founder of Microsoft who also owns the Seattle Seahawks - to meet privately with star players of his teams, according to Haynes.
HEADLINES
- Report: Bucks waiving Lillard to stretch remaining $113M on contract
- Report: Bucks pry Turner from Pacers with 4-year, $107M deal
- Report: Thunder signing Gilgeous-Alexander to record 4-year, $285M extension
- Report: Kings trade Valanciunas to Nuggets for Saric
- NBA free agency: Live analysis of the biggest moves
Advertisement