Loyalty has always been very important to Damian Lillard of the Portland Trail Blazers.
Some people have said that he’s crazy for sticking around in Rose City as long as he has.
But, sure enough, Lillard has remained in Portland through thick and very, very thin.
What gives?
Why does he feel it is so necessary to stick around with a team that is still struggling to even make the playoffs after years?
Top 5 NBA Career Earnings through 2027
🤑 Kevin Durant $498.7 million
🤑 Steph Curry $470.1 million
🤑 Damian Lillard $449.1 million
🤑 LeBron James $431.9 million
🤑 Bradley Beal $428.9 million pic.twitter.com/eMMLJMg2wF— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPointsApp) July 26, 2022
Well, the money certainly helps.
If Lillard sticks with Portland until 2027 as planned, he will make $449.1 million for his career.
That’s only behind Stephen Curry and Kevin Durant, meaning that Lillard is one of the highest-paid athletes in the NBA.
While money is very nice and makes things easier, it is obvious that Lillard really wants to win.
If the Blazers don’t get a lot better in the upcoming season, don’t be shocked if Lillard turns his back on Portland – and the cash.
Dame Time
Lillard has been one of the best guards in the league since entering the NBA.
And yet, his team has struggled an awful lot.
There have been good times, of course, and they even made the Western Conference Finals a few years ago.
But last season was a trainwreck and they feel very far away from the Finals, which has always been Lillard’s ultimate goal.
They made a few changes this offseason but it doesn’t feel like enough to get Portland in true championship form.
So, are we looking at the final days of Lillard in Portland?
It’s hard to tell because people have assumed that could happen many times before.
A lot is riding on the season ahead.
NEXT: Trail Blazers Left Hoping For The Best With Shaedon Sharpe