In NBA, trade rumors are as common as three-point shots, and one rumor that’s been making headlines is Damian Lillard’s desire to don a Miami Heat jersey.
The All-Star point guard, who’s spent his entire 11-year career with the Portland Trail Blazers, has his heart set on joining forces with his close friend Bam Adebayo and aiming for an NBA championship alongside Jimmy Butler in Miami. But, as the rumor mill churns, it’s becoming clear that this trade might not be as straightforward as fans hope.
Damian Lillard’s Miami Heat Trade Dreams Face Pricey Hurdles
According to NBA insider Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald, the Portland Trail Blazers aren’t biting the bait just yet. Despite Lillard’s fervent wish to head south to Florida, the Blazers haven’t been wowed by the Heat’s trade offers. Lillard, who expressed his frustration with the Blazers’ inability to build a championship-caliber team around him, officially requested a trade to the Heat on July 1.
Meanwhile, as of early this week, Portland was still showing no interest in doing a deal with Heat, who visit Blazers in late Feb. in what is reportedly Portland's only national TV game. To me, Lillard has much of leverage based on how messy he's willing to make this (unknown) https://t.co/y3cxhIbI2A
— Barry Jackson (@flasportsbuzz) August 17, 2023
Lillard’s desire to leave Portland stems from a mix of ambition and a desire to compete at the highest level. After a career-best season, he was disheartened when the Blazers didn’t use the third overall pick in the 2023 NBA Draft to acquire a star player. Instead, they selected Scoot Henderson, a player who occupies the same position as Damian Lillard.
The numbers don’t lie when it comes to Lillard’s impact on the court. Averaging 32.2 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 7.3 assists last season, he’s a proven game-changer. However, his hefty $46.6 million salary for the upcoming season and a recently signed two-year, $121.8 million extension with the Blazers add complexity to any trade scenario.
Are Miami Heat Willing to Make a Trade for The Blazers’ Liking?
Miami Heat, on the other hand, has been diligently working on a trade package for Lillard. Reports suggest it could involve expiring contracts, multiple first-round picks, and young talents like Tyler Herro, who might find himself on another team as part of the deal. The trade talks might even include second-round picks and draft pick swaps, as per NBA insider Shams Charania of The Athletic.
As the trade saga unfolds, one thing is clear: Lillard’s dream of joining the Miami Heat comes with a hefty price tag. Whether the Blazers eventually agree to part ways with their franchise player or Lillard’s championship aspirations take a different route, NBA fans everywhere will be watching closely.
