Joe Cronin After Damian Lillard Meeting: 'We Remain Committed To Building A Winner Around Dame'

[RealGM Wiretap]

Portland Trail Blazers general manager Joe Cronin released a statement after meeting with Damian Lillard on Monday afternoon, reiterating the team's commitment to the point guard.

“I met with Dame and Aaron Goodwin this afternoon. We had a great dialogue. We remain committed to building a winner around Dame," said Cronin.

The two sides met to discuss the future of the Blazers roster-building process.

Lillard has previously been linked with a move to the Heat this offseason. 

Via Chris Haynes/Bleacher Report

[Anthoine]

Love Lillard but he’s aging. How long does it take to build a contender?????????? Last time I checked it doesn’t happen over night. Lillard will be 33 when the season starts. Let’s say it takes 2 years to build that up….he’ll be 35. Who builds a team around a 35 year old?…..Just set the man free already before you decide to rid yourselves of your young promising budding talent.

[TruthDoesntHurt]

So did they ever try once to build a contender in the entire time they had Dame? They had a pretty decent team for a couple years but it wasn’t even a great team. They ride his back to sell ratings and tickets until he’s a lame horse then they’ll put him down.

[Laimbeer]

Translation: Dame and Blazers are both content. There's no way they draft and keep Scoot if they're serious about winning now.

[JerryFox]

Maybe one of these years they'll get lucky and have a contending team

[Jay Mail]

Getting Scoot in the draft should be the green light to trade Dame for a package that nets them a great young core to compete in a few years.
Nobody wants to come to Portland (alot of teams have this problem). Denver drafted well to get where they are. They are champions, have the best player in the world and Jamal Murray and u never hear of anyone wanting to play there.
Dame, go to Miami and enjoy a deep playoff run...u deserve it!