Dame Time Ticking in Portland? Chain of Events Suggest Damian Lillard Could Move to Dallas Mavericks

The Portland Trail Blazers suffered a first-round exit during the 2021 NBA Playoffs, their fourth time in five years. So when Damian Lillard posted a cryptic message on Instagram following the loss, speculation about him wanting to leave arose.

The initial rumors linked him to the Los Angeles Lakers, but now a new team could be on the horizon: the Dallas Mavericks. Since his initial post, a new chain of events has occurred. This is prompting fans to come up with a conspiracy theory linking him to the Mavs.

It started with Lillard openly speaking about his desire to see Jason Kidd as the next Blazers coach. Kidd is a Hall of Fame point guard and a former NBA champion, so he could be the perfect coach for Lillard. Unfortunately, Kidd ruled himself out of the Blazers job. And last night Shams Charania confirmed the Blazers are hiring Chauncey Billups instead.

READ MORE –

Damian Lillard didn’t get his coach of choice… or did he?

Before Billups was appointed, there were new reports that Lillard is feeling ‘antsy‘ about his situation in Portland. For a player who has always been committed to the team, it was a bit surprising. At the same time, the Mavs pounced on Kidd’s availability and announced him as their next head coach. Fans started joining the dots by linking him to the Mavs since then, but there was more to come.

Along with Kidd, the Mavs also appointed Nike exec Nico Harrison as their GM following Donnie Nelson’s departure. When fans were doubting his appointment, Lillard out of all players, gave his approval for Harrison on his Twitter.

So the Mavs now have Lillard’s preferred coach, and also a GM who is endorsed by him. They also have better assets to trade for him than a team like the Lakers. So will that be enough to bring him to Dallas? Only time will tell.

Lillard has been one of the most loyal players in the league since he made his debut in 2012. And him leaving Portland would be a huge shock despite how badly the team has performed in the playoffs. But at the same time, fans will also be happy if he gets his move, because it would put him in the best position to win a ring.

Lillard and Luka Doncic would instantly become a fan-favorite duo. Despite how ball heavy they are, if they are able to work together, the Mavs will be one of the most entertaining teams in the league.

WATCH STORY HERE – From Attending NBA Finals to Awarding Michael Jordan a Medal: Best Barack Obama NBA Moments