It’s been nearly a month since Damian Lillard first asked for a trade out of Portland, but he doesn’t seem any closer to being a member of the Heat today than he did three weeks ago. To say progress has been slow would be an understatement and while there is still plenty of time to get a deal done, the Heat are (understandably) growing restless with the situation.
According to the latest report out of Miami, Pat Riley’s front office is legitimately frustrated with the lack of progress and the lack of communication from Portland.
“Miami’s frustrated w/ how things are moving slowly. Portland’s telling them bring us your best offer,” said Chris Haynes on #thisleague UNCUT. “Miami would like to know what Portland wants & MIA isn’t getting that answer. Heat feel like things could be moving quicker if Portland said exactly what they want.”
“Miami’s frustrated w/ how things are moving slowly. Portland’s telling them bring us your best offer. MIA would like to know what Portland wants & MIA isn’t getting that answer. Heat feel like things could be moving quicker if Portland said exactly what they want” @ChrisBHaynes pic.twitter.com/bIRs7ubDNR
— Dru (@dru_star) July 21, 2023
Damian Lillard has only named the Heat as his preferred landing spot, so they do have some advantage in trade talks for Lillard. Unfortunately for Miami, however, Dame still has four years left on his contract, so there’s no deadline at all for the Blazers to get a deal done. In fact, there’s nothing stopping Portland from waiting months (or even longer) to squeeze everything they can possibly get from the Heat, who are growing more desperate with each passing day.
What Is The Price For Lillard?
While The Heat may be growing impatient, the Blazers have actually already set their price for no. 0. According to various sources, Gm Jor Cronin is seeking four draft picks and one or two young rising stars.
“The Blazers, according to NBA sources, are seeking in the neighborhood of four first-round picks and two quality players,” Fentress wrote. “But accomplishing that could require adding a third team to the equation.”
At the time of writing, the Heat don’t have that kind of package to offer Portland which is precisely why a trade has not happened yet. And until Miami steps up with an offer that the Blazers like, things may never progress to a meaningful point.
No doubt, a third team will need to get involved here if Miami wants to make this happen.
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