Damian Lillard has been in the trade headlines since day 1 of the NBA transfer window. The Blazers’ guard requested a trade to the Miami Heat. Although this is not the first instance when a star has asked their current team to facilitate trade, this one is still a bit different.
Damian and his agent have pushed the Blazers a lot to make this happen. Multiple different tactics have been used. But why are the Blazers not trading Damian to Miami? Because the Heat does not have what the Blazers think Damian is worth. The Heat needs to get more assets or find another team to make it happen. Here is all the information you need about the trade between the Miami Heat and the Portland Trail Blazers involving Damian Lillard.
What would the Heat offer for Damian Lillard?
After the Blazers rejected the first offer from the Heat, it is being speculated that the Heat would offer a bunch of first-round picks probably 3-4, some pick swaps, a few second-round picks and a youngster in exchange for Damian Lillard. The Blazers are not ready to compromise for less, and it has been said that they can wait as long as it takes to get a good return value for their star.
Heat’s potential trade offer for Damian Lillard:
3-4 first round picks
Pick swaps
2nd round picks
Tyler Herro
Expiring contracts
Young players(Via @ShamsCharania ) pic.twitter.com/faqBSRkeMe
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) July 31, 2023
How did Damian Lillard perform last season?
Damian played 58 games for the Blazers last season and averaged 32.3 points per game. He also managed to have 7.3 assists and 4.8 rebounds last season. The Blazers might be thinking that they have all they need to win a championship and would love to keep Damian. But an Unhappy player does not perform like a joyful one. Would it affect Damian’s gameplay if he is kept against his wishes?
The Portland Trailblazers reportedly prefers Jaime Jaquez Jr. over Nikola Jovic in a potential Damian Lillard trade, per @GregSylvander
“Small update: A league source tells me that AS OF NOW: the perception is, Portland prefers Jaime Jaquez over Nikola Jovic to be involved in… pic.twitter.com/AgitpYR4dq
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) August 1, 2023
What is the situation of Damian Lillard with the Blazers?
Damian has cleared the fog and has requested a trade to the Heat only. The agent said that the player might not show up for the training if he is traded to some other team. No team likes a player who is unhappy, but the Heat has got offers for him then. Which of those would satisfy their thirst?
Damian wants Heat, and Heat wants Damian. The Blazers are the only hurdle they have. How would they cross it? By adding more assets or by getting it done through some other team. We’ll keep you updated.
