Damian Lillard’s trade saga has just started, but it seems like it’s been dragging on for a while, given the nature of speculation around him.
Lillard has been widely expected to only be interested in playing for the Miami Heat, and Chris Mannix from Sports Illustrated confirmed the reports on his podcast.
“It’s been widely reported and I have confirmed it as well that Lillard wants to be in Miami. He wants to play for the Heat, that is his top choice, it may be his only choice.”
“It’s been widely reported, and I have confirmed this as well, that Dame Lillard wants to be in Miami. He wants to play for the Heat. That is his top choice. It may be his only choice” – @SIChrisMannix pic.twitter.com/jxQ1X798lk
— Dru (@dru_star) July 6, 2023
Lillard could be sent to any team in the league because the Blazers are looking to maximize their haul in a trade. The Heat simply don’t have compelling assets and need to figure out if some team will take Tyler Herro and give them assets that can be rerouted to Portland.
Lillard Joining The Heat Seems Inevitable
Ever since the playoffs, it’s been rumored that Miami and Dame have some mutual interest. The team’s one-sided loss in the NBA Finals must have boosted their motivation to chase after Dame, especially given the team showed its strength even with Herro injured. Adding Dame would make him, Jimmy Butler, and Bam Adebayo the strongest trio in the league, given their complementary skill sets.
Lillard averaged 32.2 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 7.3 assists last season and showed he can still dominate the NBA. If a player can drop 71 points without breaking a sweat, you do anything you can to trade for him. That’s exactly why it’ll be hard for Miami to beat out the Jazz, Celtics, Spurs, Nets, and other teams who may be in pursuit right now.
Either way, Dame will end up where he wants to. This saga will be a little protracted, but the Heat will be busy until then to generate the assets Portland wants.
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