Lillard appears to support fan's plea for Trail Blazers to acquire Paul George
Damian Lillard may want to team up with another star who was "snubbed" from the All-NBA teams.
The point guard appeared to endorse the idea of his Portland Trail Blazers landing Paul George when he retweeted this:
Though George has two years remaining on his contract with the Indiana Pacers, with a player option for 2018-19, he's been linked to other clubs in trade rumors. Thursday's announcement of the three All-NBA rosters essentially lowered the Pacers' chances of retaining their best player.
Related: George mum about Lakers rumors on 'Jimmy Kimmel Live!'
The 27-year-old All-Star's omission from the All-NBA teams renders him ineligible to sign a super-max deal this offseason worth approximately $207 million over five years. He could, however, qualify for the DPE with Indy next summer if he earns a 2018 All-NBA nod. Even if he doesn't, it could behoove him to stick with the Pacers, who by virtue of owning his Bird Rights, can offer him an extra year and more money than other clubs.
Related: Winners and losers from 2016-17 All-NBA team announcements
That won't stop other players from fantasizing about playing alongside the elite two-way swingman, though.
In addition to Lillard, his starting backcourt mate C.J. McCollum also expressed interest in making PG-13 a Trail Blazer, having name-dropped the small forward last month when asked who he'd like to see Portland pursue in free agency.
Sure the Trail Blazers (and many other teams) could use a player of George's caliber, but the union doesn't appear likely. The team sacrificed long-term salary-cap flexibility last summer when it threw a bunch of money at four guys who play the same positions as George. Then there's also the possibility that the only destination the star is considering, outside of sticking with the Pacers, is his hometown Los Angeles Lakers.