Lillard: 'I'm not asking for a trade' amid Trail Blazers' turmoil

Damian Lillard won't be asking to leave the Portland Trail Blazers anytime soon, he told reporters Wednesday, according to Jason Dumas of KRON4 News.

"I'm not asking for a trade," Lillard said.

He added: "I sit in the office with (head coach) Chauncey (Billups) every day, and we're trying to find solutions, and I'm dealing with these people every day when I walk in this practice facility trying to find solutions. Why would I be a part of trying to find solutions if I'm planning on an exit?"

Portland has struggled so far this season, with the team sitting 10th in the Western Conference at 11-14.

The Trail Blazers also fired team president and general manager Neil Olshey last week after an independent investigation into complaints of workplace misconduct. Olshey was already running the team when it drafted Lillard sixth overall in 2012.

Portland's turbulence on and off the court has prompted rumors of roster changes, including reports of Lillard's interest in playing with disgruntled Philadelphia 76ers forward Ben Simmons and his desire to ink a two-year extension with the Trail Blazers this offseason.

Amid the rampant gossip, Lillard appeared frustrated by continued questions about his future with Portland.

"It's a good story and good things to talk about, and they know people are going to entertain it, so they continue with it. But my intentions are to be in Portland and figure it out," Lillard said.

"I also know that people are going to continue to have these same conversations because it's fun to talk about, but that shit is not - it's not accurate."

The 31-year-old has been out since Nov. 29 with an abdominal injury. The Trail Blazers also announced Tuesday that Lillard's backcourt mate CJ McCollum will miss time due to a collapsed lung.

Lillard is averaging 21.5 points - his lowest output since the 2014-15 campaign - along with 7.8 assists and four rebounds per game this season.