Lillard intends to give the Trail Blazers organization time to find its next leader of basketball operations. But beyond the front office component, the face of the franchise still wants significant changes to the roster. Multiple sources have told The Athletic that Lillard would like to play with Philadelphia 76ers three-time All-Star Ben Simmons.

Source: Shams Charania/The Athletic

ANALYSIS: Charania also added:

"Sources say the Trail Blazers, under Olshey, discussed the framework of a trade for Simmons, moving CJ McCollum, a first-round draft pick and a young player such as Nassir Little or Anfernee Simons to Philadelphia. The 76ers, sources said, at one point asked the Trail Blazers for McCollum and multiple draft picks and multiple draft swaps, which Portland rejected."

It remains to be seen how potential trade discussions could work with GM Neil Olshey no longer managing the team. Charania reports that tensions between the players and first-year head coach Chauncey Billups are "on the rise" after the recent stretch of poor play. Lillard is currently sidelined due to an abdominal injury.