According to Chris Haynes, the Miami Heat are focused on acquiring Portland Trail Blazers star Damian Lillard. They believe this is the offseason that Lillard could finally be moved to another team.
Miami Heat
The Heat were in the mix for Bradley Beal before he was sent to the Phoenix Suns. However, it seems that they've been much more interested in Lillard.
The superstar guard averaged 32.2 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 7.3 assists while shooting 46.3 percent from the field and 37.1 percent from three.
The soon-to-be 33-year-old guard is still performing at an elite level. He would give the Heat the offensive firepower they lack in their lineup.
Miami made an incredible run to the NBA Finals, becoming the second 8th seed ever to make it that far. Jimmy Butler and Bam Adebayo are a great star duo. Both are great defensive players and are good offensive players. However, adding Lillard, who can score at will and be a quality playmaker, could be the missing piece.
They could offer up Tyler Herro, Duncan Robinson, Nikola Jovic, and multiple first-round picks for Lillard. Miami could also use Kyle Lowry in the trade instead of Herro if Portland prefers short-term salaries.
If the Heat can pull off a trade for Lillard, it would go a long way in helping them compete for a championship.
Portland Trail Blazers
The Trail Blazers have a decision to make with Lillard once again this offseason. Portland can finally move off of their superstar or commit to building around him once again.
Given his loyalty to the franchise, they will likely let Lillard choose preferred destinations. Lillard mentioned in a video that he would like to play for the Heat or Brooklyn Nets if he's traded.
The Blazers could kickstart a rebuild if they trade Lillard. They hold the 3rd overall pick in the draft and could accumulate more assets with a Lillard trade.
They have some young talent with Anfernee Simons and Shaedon Sharpe. Adding in the 3rd overall pick (Scoot Henderson or Brandon Miller) would give them a solid young core.
Ultimately, the decision will be up to Lillard. If he requests a trade, the Blazers are expected to honor it, as he has been loyal to Portland. However, if Lillard opts to stay, the Blazers will be looking to buy and build around their superstar.
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