Jusuf Nurkic On Next Season: 'If [Lillard] Goes, Then I Leave Portland As Well'

Jusuf Nurkic is making headlines after commenting on his future with the Trailblazers if All-Star Damian Lillard is no longer on the team. The 26-year-old admitted that he is not well-versed with the burgeoning rift between Lillard and management, but said that he believes Lillard "stays there, but if he goes, then I leave Portland as well," according to Bosnian reporters.

Nurkic also highlighted the lack of success the team has had in the last four years, lamenting that one Western Conference Finals appearance is is relatively subpar.

In the last game of the season, I said that change must happen. in four years, we only had one West final, which is relatively small for a team like Portland. The NBA is the biggest business there is.

I don't know what has changed with Lillard in these two days. As far as I know, the man stays there, but if he goes, then I leave Portland as well. My opinion is that it would be stupid to let such a loyal man as Lillard go.

Nurkic mentions that it would be asinine for the Trailblazers to part ways with Lillard, who is renowned for his loyalty to Portland. Unfortunately, the franchise may be forced to do so. Reports have circulated that the backlash from the Billups coaching hire, as well as speculation about whether Portland can concoct a championship roster, will lead to Lillard requesting a trade.

Nurkic and Lillard are not the only Blazers rumored to be moved this summer. CJ McCollum has found his name attached to a possible deal revolving around Ben Simmons and Sixers.

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