In the Wake of Damian Lillard’s ‘Miami Heat Legend’ Post, Trail Blazers Reportedly Made Progress to Fulfill Star Guard’s Dream Trade

Damian Lillard sent shockwaves through the NBA community with his very public trade request. Fed up with Portland’s inability to reach the Playoffs or recruit successfully, Lillard demanded a trade to the Miami Heat. Latest reports now indicate that significant headway has been made toward fulfilling Lillard’s desire for a new basketball home. This information comes to light via a report from Greg Sylvander, as shared through an NBACentral tweet.

The reports come in the wake of yet another subliminal social media post from the Trail Blazers’ point guard. Lillard recently reshared a now-deleted post on social media that alluded to his potential legendary status with the Miami Heat.

Damian Lillard’s trade request to the Miami Heat might finally go through

Lillard’s trade request, which sent ripples through the league, was formally made on July 1. 

This followed a series of subtle hints and social media indications from the star guard. Despite the public nature of his request, there was no real movement for Dame. Most news coming out of the NBA suggested that the Heat were unable to offer anything of real value to trade for the Portland star. 

However, recent reports have shed light on significant progress. The tweet from NBACentral read:

“The Portland Trailblazers and Miami Heat have made some progress in the last 48-72 hours on a potential Damian Lillard trade, per @GregSylvander.”

The Portland Trailblazers and Miami Heat have made some progress in the last 48-72 hours on a potential Damian Lillard trade, per @GregSylvander pic.twitter.com/QG8Uqd1E2h

— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) September 17, 2023

According to Greg Sylvander, the Portland Trail Blazers and the Miami Heat have intensified discussions in the past 48-72 hours regarding a potential Damian Lillard trade.

Damian Lillard has made it abundantly clear that he knows exactly where he wants to take his talents next: the Miami Heat.

Damian Lillard shunned Jayson Tatum’s advances

This resolute stance was further emphasized when he reportedly turned down overtures from Jayson Tatum, who sought to recruit him to the Boston Celtics. 

Marc Spears claimed,

“I know Jason Tatum’s called him [Damian Lillard]. Tried to get in his ear. But his focus is definitely on Miami.” 

Jayson Tatum had no success recruiting Damian Lillard to Boston, per @MarcJSpears

“I know Jason Tatum’s called him. Tried to get in his ear. But his focus is definitely on Miami.”

(Via @Oregonian / h/t @dru_star ) pic.twitter.com/4Eng7KmlIf

— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) August 31, 2023

Additionally, the decision to shun Tatum goes on to show that Lillard truly has his sight set on just one team, the Miami Heat. Only time will tell whether he’ll get a chance to play alongside Jimmy Butler and Bam Adebayo. However, if recent reports are to be believed, Lillard’s dream move might not be far away.