Blazers: Damian Lillard's Firm Trade Stance Ahead of Training Camp is Bad News for Portland

(Photo : Michael Reaves/Getty Images) CHICAGO, ILLINOIS - Damian Lillard (#0) of the Portland Trail Blazers looks on against the Chicago Bulls during the first half at United Center.

The Portland Trail Blazers are expected to start preparations for the 2023-24 NBA season soon, but the Damian Lillard situation remains unsolved.

The Trail Blazers are expected to start training camp in the coming weeks and will likely start things off without their disgruntled All-Star guard. It will be recalled that Damian Lillard confirmed that he requested for a trade, despite saying his heart remains in Portland in an interview on Andscape.

Hence, seeing the 33-year-old at the Trail Blazers training camp would be surprising. From the looks of it, the only training camps where the seven-time All-Star may pop up is either in Portland or Miami, Shams Charania of The Athletic suggested when he spoke on "The Rally."

“At this point… the only two training camps that Damian Lillard would report to, in theory: Portland and Miami.”

NBA Insider @ShamsCharania updates us on Damian Lillard. pic.twitter.com/zdUyUwWiko
— The Rally (@TheRally) September 11, 2023

"At this point... the only two training camps that Damian Lillard would report to, in theory: Portland and Miami," the scribe said.

Charania further explained that if Lillard were to be traded to a team other than the Miami Heat, it is likely that things will not go well.

Considering that Lillard owns a lofty $260 million left on his current contract, not too many teams would be willing to take the risk on a player who is already 33 years old.

Trail Blazers not shutting training camp door on Lillard

Unless an NBA trade for Lillard happens soon, the 2013 NBA Rookie of the Year could end up sitting out some games. However, the Trail Blazers are open to the possibility of the All-Star guard being at training camp, Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN suggested.

It may take time for the Trail Blazers to find an NBA team willing to give in to their demands. Portland reportedly seeks four first-round picks and two quality players in exchange for Lillard, Oregon Live reported. NBA teams may not be interested now, but all that could change once the new NBA season kicks off.