The Portland Trail Blazers have retooled their roster many times by just adding one more piece to the puzzle. Though, what they haven’t done is give Damian Lillard another ‘Star player’ in Portland. Well, that window of the Blazers competing with Lillard is getting narrower year after year. This time the Trail Blazers star PG provided a clear signal about his drive to contend.

During his exit interview, Lillard spoke about the need for General Manager Joe Cronin to be aggressive and build a playoff team and not just one that will make the playoffs, but one that will play deep into them as well. Dame stated“now is the time to really push forward.” He added there were “needle movers” who were keen to play for Portland, but it’s up to the team to get them.

There have been rumors that Portland may use that potential top-five pick, especially if they land No. 1. If the latter happens they most definitely should, but this is a vital offseason if Portland wants to win with Damian Lillard. He’s heading into his Age 33 season and wants players who are ready to make an impact.

Damian Lillard: “I don’t have much of an appetite for building with guys 2 and 3 years away and not really go after it.” — Rose Garden Report’s Sean Highkin

It appears that Lillard and the Front Office are on the same page after both Lillard and Cronin have stated the same message over the last couple of months.

Damian Lillard on this offseason: “I feel how I feel about Chauncey, I feel how I feel about Joe. The optimism is there but it’s time to get the work done.” — Highkin

The small moves have not seemed to work up until now. It appears that everyone knows that.

“We’ve done the ‘tweak’ thing a few times. We’ve got to do more than that this summer if we want to do right by the best player in franchise history.” — Highkin.

As far as what ‘needle movers’ Lillard might be talking about, the Blazers may have to wait in order to negotiate any sort of deal. But, the season-ending on Sunday with a 157-101 loss was frustrating for all involved. The Blazers have been linked to many star players around the league dating back to the trade deadline…with news that the franchise was interested in DeAndre Ayton and OG Anunoby. Though, more recent reports show that there is interest between Jaylen Brown and Portland. As well as, Joel Embiid.

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