One of the biggest stories in the NBA right now revolves around Damian Lillard’s impending trade with the Portland Trailblazers. Dame had announced his desire to leave Portland for greener pastures earlier this offseason. However, things haven’t gone very smoothly since then. The Blazers are currently holding out for the perfect package before they let Lillard go, ignoring his wish to move to the Miami Heat. From their perspective, the Heat do not have assets attractive enough to trade for him. But the seven-time All-Star has his heart set on earning his $45,640,084 salary this year in South Beach. And according to NBA insider Brian Windhorst, the Blazers may have no choice but to give in, especially considering the Heat seem to be the only serious candidates.
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The problems between the Blazers and Lillard kicked off after he put in his trade request. Unfortunately, there seems to be no end in sight for this ongoing saga. For months, rumors have been flying around about potential trade destinations. Yet, the only concrete option for Lillard seems to be Miami. Even though the NBA has issued a memo recently to reprimand Lillard and his team for making their Miami wishes public, Portland will be playing a dangerous game if they forcefully trade their franchise’s greatest legend to an undesirable destination.
Brian Windhorst claims that the Miami Heat are the only team serious about trading for Damian Lillard
The triangle surrounding Damian Lillard, the Miami Heat, and the Portland Trailblazers has been going on for quite a while now. Lillard is keen on the move, but the Blazers seem hesitant. Despite reportedly receiving offers from Miami, the front office believes they will not be getting their money’s worth if they accept just yet.
This has led to them to holding out for more lucrative offers. However, Lillard’s insistence on Miami and how vocal he has been about it has put a dent in those hopes. In spite of rumors linking him to the Lakers, the Celtics, and the Knicks, the Heat remain the only viable option on the table.
Recently, ESPN analyst Brian Windhorst commented on the same. He claims, that after looking around the league and having conversations with numerous executives and agents, no other team apart from the Heat are interested in acquiring Dame’s services. A statement, that puts the Blazers in a tough spot, and gives Miami the “higher ground”.
“As I look across the league and have conversations with executives and agents, I can’t identify another team that is seriously making an offer for Damian Lillard at this point. My belief is that the Heat can’t either.”
Windhorst certainly makes a point. In all likelihood, other contenders have been thrown off by Lillard’s obsession with the Heat. And not wanting to affect team chemistry by signing a disgruntled star, they have decided to walk away from any potential trade. In turn, this has put Miami in an interesting position, where they do not have to bow down to the demands of Portland’s front office. Meaning that the Blazers will have to act now if they want to capitalize on the superstar guard’s existing trade value.
The Miami Heat are willing to give up three to four first-round picks and a young player for Dame’s services
As things stand, Damian Lillard is scheduled to make around $45,640,084 next season. It’s a massive contract and one that only expires through the 2026-27 season. Nevertheless, the Miami Heat are more than willing to take on his salary. In return, Pat Riley has reportedly offered three to four first-round picks and one of the team’s brightest young talents.
Considering how complicated it would be, the deal would also see Tyler Herro move to a third team. And, as for young players, the Blazers would likely have their pick between Jaime Jaquez Jr. or Nikola Jovic. However, at the end of the day, the decision lies with Portland, and based on how things are being handled, it could be a while before Dame finds a new home.
