The Portland Trail Blazers are making a move for Miami Heat big man Bam Adebayo and pairing him alongside their superstar Damian Lillard.
According to Yahoo! Sports’ Jake Fischer, “Portland is preparing what the team believes to be a compelling package for Miami to part with All-Defensive centerpiece Bam Adebayo.”
He further added: “Portland appears unlikely to part with the No. 3 choice unless the Blazers are getting back one of a select number of premium targets to pair with Lillard.”
To place more emphasis on the word ‘premium’, Adebayo will surely bolster the team’s defense which was ranked 28th last season in defensive efficiency. His sheer presence as a rim protector and versatility as an anchor make him a seamless fit, but he is central to the Heat’s plans, and it remains to be seen if the franchise indeed intends to part ways with their bonafide star.
This season saw Adebayo average 20.4 points, 9.2 rebounds, and 3.2 assists in the regular season. In the playoffs, he propped up 17.9 points, 9.9 rebounds, and 3.7 assists. He was thoroughly impressive on the defensive end and will surely add more teeth to the Blazers’ fold.
Fischer wrote that the Miami front office wouldn’t consider any deal from the Blazers, “That doesn’t include standout rookie Shaedon Sharpe, in addition to a package of the No. 3 pick and Anfernee Simons.”
It appears that reinforcements for Lillard are being looked at. But will they find the second superstar the team needs to become a title contender? Only time will tell.
Conversely, The Heat Are Targeting Damian Lillard
With Bradley Beal now traded to the Phoenix Suns, the Heat are targeting Damian Lillard.
“Miami’s focus is Portland superstar Damian Lillard with the genuine belief this could be the offseason the veteran guard seeks a change of scenery, league sources tell NBA on TNT and Bleacher Report,” tweeted NBA insider Chris Haynes.
It goes without saying that Lillard is definitely a better player than Beal, and he gives them the additional scoring boost which they sorely missed in the playoffs and in the NBA Finals. With Jimmy Butler, the duo would surely make a case for the most formidable duo in the league.
The Blazers are surely loyal to Lillard, and indications are that the feeling from the guard is mutual. In the end, it’s interesting to see if the Heat and the Blazers manage to work a deal.
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