Can we please refrain from suggesting that the Blazers owe Damian Lillard the world?

It’s undeniable that if Damian Lillard never steps onto the court again for the Portland Trail Blazers, he can rightfully lay claim to being one of the best players in the franchise’s history. It’s a tight race between him and Clyde Drexler. Lillard has been a consummate professional, a Hall of Fame-caliber player, and an exceptional ambassador for both the Blazers and the NBA as a whole. No one disputes this fact. Damian Lillard is, and always has been an incredible talent.

But can we take a step back and acknowledge that the Blazers have compensated Lillard handsomely? Throughout his career, he has earned more than $233 million, and if he decides to honor his current fully guaranteed contract, he stands to make nearly half a billion dollars – yes, that’s half a billion – with earnings of $45.6 million, $48.8 million, $58.5 million, and $63.2 million over the next four seasons, respectively.

Regardless of where he ultimately finishes this contract, Lillard is guaranteed to rank among the highest-earning players in NBA history. To assert that the Blazers owe him more seems unjust.

Yet, the persistent narrative suggests that the Blazers remain indebted, obligated to accept a less-than-optimal trade offer, merely to facilitate Lillard’s departure to his “preferred destination.” This perspective is pervasive, and it’s important to address it.

Some individuals appear to view Lillard’s time with the Blazers as a form of charity work over the past 11 seasons, implying that now it’s time to compensate him adequately. Let’s reiterate: Damian Lillard has amassed a fortune that rivals the earnings of nearly any NBA player in history.

Yes, Lillard has earned every penny through his exceptional skills and contributions to the team, but it’s essential to recognize who contributed to his astronomical salary – the fans. These are the people who, despite the exorbitant costs, still attend games and purchase cable packages, possibly contributing to a projected $75 billion television deal shortly.

In essence, these fans are the reason Damian Lillard is on track to earn well over half a billion dollars in salary alone by the time his career concludes. Therefore, it’s essential to consider their perspective: why should Portland acquiesce to Lillard’s trade demands when it won’t necessarily bring them any closer to an NBA championship in the foreseeable future?

Let’s not forget that, during his 11-year tenure, Damian Lillard led the Blazers to just one conference finals appearance, and even that was regarded by some as a fortuitous matchup. This isn’t the same as the Stephen Curry-led Warriors, Kobe Bryant with the Lakers, or the likes of Giannis Antetokounmpo and Nikola Jokic leading their respective teams to greater success. Lillard’s situation more closely resembles a longer-tenured Joel Embiid with the Sixers.

Joel Embiid has demonstrated loyalty to his team, securing an MVP award – something Lillard has yet to achieve. If the Sixers were to contemplate trading Embiid, would they be obligated to jeopardize their future for his benefit, allowing him to relocate to sunnier shores in his twilight years?

One might argue that Lillard’s situation would be different if he were in the last year of his contract, as the Blazers would have less leverage. However, Lillard signed a two-year, $122 million extension just last summer, committing to four more seasons with the Portland Trail Blazers.

In essence, Lillard willingly agreed to remain in Portland for the next four seasons, with the Blazers reciprocating by paying him the aforementioned $122 million. Yet, only a year later, Lillard expresses a desire to play for the Miami Heat, and some expect the Blazers to send him there in exchange for Tyler Herro and whatever assets Pat Riley can unearth from his couch cushions.

Furthermore, one should not suggest that free agency is no longer a viable path for star players to relocate. Lillard’s loyalty, to some extent, is rooted in the reality that few teams have the cap space to match his salary demands, let alone assemble a championship-caliber roster. This situation is simply a consequence of the salary cap and tax rules in place.

Damian Lillard may need to reconcile with the possibility of remaining in Portland, a city he purportedly loves, or joining another team that might not boast the allure of South Beach to chase a championship ring. In either scenario, the fans who contribute significantly to his substantial salary will bear the consequences.

Let’s not forget how Jimmy Butler made his way to the Miami Heat, his preferred destination when they had no available cap space in the summer of 2019. The Sixers agreed to a sign-and-trade, a decision that has had lasting repercussions for the franchise. However, Butler got to go where he wanted. Was it worth it? That’s up for debate.

Some may argue that Lillard and Butler are vastly different players, and they’d be right. Butler has led his teams to greater success than Lillard has. Moreover, Butler was a free agent when he left for Miami, leaving the Sixers with minimal leverage and little choice but to accept the best possible offer.

The situation with Damian Lillard is distinct. He is under contract for four more years, a commitment he made by signing an extension with the Blazers through 2026. The Blazers are not compelled to make hasty decisions or bow to his trade requests.

Some may cite Kevin Durant’s trade to the Brooklyn Nets as an example, but let’s remember that the Nets received a substantial haul in return for Durant, featuring players like Mikal Bridges. When Tyler Herro evolves into a talent like Bridges or if a third team enters the mix to sweeten Portland’s return, then it’s reasonable to discuss a potential trade.

Until then, let’s refrain from portraying the Blazers as owing Lillard whatever he desires, regardless of the consequences for their fans and franchise.