Dame: I'd 'lose every year' before joining Warriors

As Damian Lillard awaits a trade elsewhere, the Portland Trail Blazers star definitively ruled out joining his hometown Golden State Warriors.

"I respect what they've been doing over the last eight, nine years or whatever. And I'm from there, obviously, that's home. But I can't go be a part of that," Lillard said Wednesday during an appearance on the "It Is What It Is" podcast.

"They won four championships. What I look like going to try to do that? ... Somebody that plays my position that's behind LeBron (James), the best player of this era. To me, that don't even make sense. I'd never do nothing like that. I'd lose every year before I go."

Lillard has spent his entire 11-year career with the Blazers, averaging 25.2 points, 6.7 assists, 4.2 boards, and one steal over 769 appearances. He's the franchise's all-time scoring leader and trails only Terry Porter in assists.

The 33-year-old has compiled numerous individual accolades during his Portland tenure, including seven All-NBA nods, seven All-Star selections, and Rookie of the Year honors. The former No. 6 overall pick was also a member of the NBA's 75th Anniversary Team.

While Lillard led the Blazers to eight playoff appearances, the team exited in the opening round on five occasions and didn't advance further than the West finals.

Lillard has reiterated throughout the offseason his desire to be traded to the Miami Heat, but no deal has come to fruition.