Damian Lillard Wants Insane Record Contract Extension

 

Amidst all the drama that is the Portland Trail Blazers these days, comes word that Damian Lillard is looking for an extension this summer that will make him the highest-paid player in basketball history: 2-year, $107M.

Damian Lillard wants a 2-year, $107M extension this offseason, via @wojespn.

The Blazers would be paying him $55M at 36-years-old. 👀

— Legion Hoops (@LegionHoops) December 7, 2021

And since that extension, for which he's eligible in July, wouldn't kick in until his current deal runs out in 2024-25, he'd be earning $55M A YEAR in his age-36 season in 2026-27.

Here is what a Damian Lillard extension would like next offseason:

Current

2021/22-$39.3M
2022/23-$42.5M
2023/24- $45.6M
2024/25- $48.8M

Extension

2025/26-$51.2M
2026/27-$55.3M

The same extension is available (after 6 mos.) in a scenario where Lillard is traded.

— Bobby Marks (@BobbyMarks42) December 7, 2021

Is this Lillard's version of, "Tell me you want to get traded without telling me you want to get traded"?

As Adrian Wojnarowski reports, this is causing a major issue for Portland in its search for a new general manager. Any new GM would be asking, says Woj, "Do I have the ability to move Dame Lillard if I came into that job?"

In fact, according to the report, "several executives told ESPN they would be far more interested in the Blazers job with ownership's blessing to move Lillard sooner than later."

The Trail Blazers fired GM Neil Olshey last week for "workplace conduct" issues, and now, in addition to looking for candidates to help rebuild the franchise, they are faced with this $107 Million dollar question from Dame.

As Woj says, "there is a moment of truth coming in Portland next July." That is, unless the moment of truth comes earlier with a Lillard trade this season. 

But as Woj also reports, three teams in particular that are interested in dealing for Dame, are waiting for him to make a trade request first, knowing "the Blazers will lose some leverage in the asking price."

Interesting times in Rip City. 

Photo Credit: Craig Mitchelldyer-USA TODAY Sports