The Portland Trail Blazers have yet to officially tip off the 2021-22 season. Still, Damian Lillard has already taken it upon himself to put trade rumors to rest should his rebuilt team get off to a slow start in the regular season.

Speaking with reporters after Tuesday's practice, Lillard doubled down on his commitment to Portland after a drama-filled summer that included reports of an imminent trade request.

None of that should be surprising to anyone who's kept abreast of Lillard's stance over the past six weeks.

Amid multiple teammates publicly discussing conversations they had with Lillard about his plans to play for the Blazers in 2021-22, he reiterated that Portland is “my city” in a September 8th Instagram post. Lillard put questions about his immediate future to further rest at Media Day, going so far as to say he's more confident than ever about his chances of winning a championship with the Blazers.

Lillard also spoke Tuesday about his desire to be a part of Chauncey Billups' success during the latter's rookie season on the sidelines, a dynamic reported on many occasions beginning in early August.

Maybe the Blazers struggle implementing Billups' principles on both sides of the ball, lagging out of the gate this season. Their discouraging performance during the preseason suggests that's more a likelihood than a possibility. But whenever Portland endures choppy waters this season, don't hold your breath waiting for Lillard to jump ship.

As he's reiterated time and again of late, Damian Lillard isn't going anywhere anytime soon—no matter how much national talking heads and fans league-wide want him to leave the Blazers.