The Portland Trail Blazers had a disappointing end to their season when they lost in 5 games to the Memphis Grizzlies in the first round of the Playoffs. The Blazers are now in very crucial times, because LaMarcus Aldridge is a free agent and he may as well leave, because even his teammates, don’t believe he’s staying. Portland has made it clear that Damian Lillard is the franchise player for them, so what are they willing to do to keep Mr. Franchise?
According to Real GM:
“Portland Trail Blazers star Damian Lillard will seek the designated player maximum contract – a full five-year deal – in a possible extension this upcoming offseason, league sources told RealGM.”
“Lillard, sources said, has no plans to consider signing an extension less than the designated max – nor would the two-time NBA All-Star and 2013 Rookie of the Year be financially inclined to do so given 2016’s rising free agency market, when upward of 20 teams could extend $20 million-plus offer sheets to Lillard.”
Damian Lillard is the future of this franchise, who is already a 2 time All-star and a rookie of the year. Lillard recently graduated from Weber State, where he was drafted from, and now he’s looking for some long-term money. Even if the Blazers were able to ink Lillard to a 5 year deal, their future is in a spiral downwards, because if Aldridge and Wes Matthews leave, Lillard is their ONLY hope. Literally. It will be an interesting summer for Portland.
