The Miami Heat have been patiently waiting for Damian Lillard all summer long and now that he has requested a trade, they aren’t wasting any time trying to make it happen.
Unfortunately for Miami, they don’t have the assets that Portland wants in a deal and despite Damian Lillard specifically requesting a move to South Beach, GM Joe Cronin made it clear that he will not accept junk for the 7x All-Star. This is why, according to Chris Haynes, a third team would likely need to get involved if Miami wants Lillard.
“It’s looking like if a deal is gonna be completed between the Heat and the Blazers, it will require the facilitation of a third team,” said Haynes. “What I can say is look out for the Brooklyn Nets to potentially be a part of that whole process. The Trail Blazers have made it clear they want to bring a star-level player back in return so it’ll be interesting to see what they can get out of the Miami Heat or the Brooklyn Nets.”
Latest on Damian Lillard for @NBATV. pic.twitter.com/axvHRk5xqS
— Chris Haynes (@ChrisBHaynes) July 1, 2023
As the greatest player in franchise history, Damian Lillard is the kind of player that should net a king’s ransom for the Blazers. And while he has only listed the Heat as his preferred landing spot, he doesn’t have a no-trade clause to control where he lands.
Really, it’s entirely up to Joe Cronin to figure out what to do with Lillard.
What Would Miaimi’s Trade Package Look Like?
Jimmy Butler and Bam Adebayo are untouchable for the Heat, but everyone else should be on the table in negotiations for Damian Lillard. As Haynes pointed out, potential offers could include a combination of Tyler Herro, Kyle Lowry, Duncan Robinson, and multiple first-round picks.
That wouldn’t change with another team involved, but it would mean more assets going to Portland.
In the end, it’s going to be a long offseason for the Blazers and I don’t envy the position GM Joe Cronin is in right now. As he walks the line between taking care of Lillard and doing what’s best for the team, the situation will only intensify.
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