2023 saw yet another incredible playoff run for the Miami Heat, but just like in 2020 and 2022, it did not end with them lifting the NBA championship. They were just outmatched in the NBA Finals against the Denver Nuggets, and it was clear the team needed more firepower offensively.
It appears Jimmy Butler knew that too, as NBA insider Chris Haynes reported he relayed to the team weeks ago that Damian Lillard should be their top target in the offseason.
“Miami Heat star Jimmy Butler relayed to the team weeks ago that Portland Trail Blazers star Damian Lillard should be the No. 1 target this offseason, league sources tell @NBAonTNT, @BleacherReport.”
Miami Heat star Jimmy Butler relayed to the team weeks ago that Portland Trail Blazers star Damian Lillard should be the No. 1 target this offseason, league sources tell @NBAonTNT, @BleacherReport.
— Chris Haynes (@ChrisBHaynes) July 1, 2023
Butler had to carry a very heavy load on offense in the playoffs, and you felt it took a toll on him as he seemed to run out of gas by the time they got to the Finals. With Lillard, who averaged 32.2 PPG, 4.8 RPG, 7.3 APG, 0.9 SPG, and 0.3 BPG last season, on the team, that wouldn’t be an issue moving forward.
Butler also fueled the Lillard rumors last week with an Instagram story of him listening to one of his songs and it is clear by now he wants him on the Heat. Lillard wants to be traded to the Heat too, but can Miami pull it off? We’ll soon find out.
Would Damian Lillard Make The Heat The Favorites In The East?
With the Heat having reached the Finals twice now in the last four seasons, you’d think they’d be viewed as the favorites to get there from the East next season. That’s not necessarily the case, however, with the Milwaukee Bucks and the Boston Celtics being favored over them.
If they can pull off this deal for Lillard, though, then that would certainly change things. They’d have a Big 3 of their own with Lillard, Butler, and Bam Adebayo, and there isn’t a trio better than that in the East. The fact that they have lost Gabe Vincent and Max Strus certainly is a blow, but it’s one they can certainly overcome.
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