NBA Fans Await: Damian Lillard’s Trade Can Move Him to Miami
NBA Fans Await: Damian Lillard’s Trade Can Move Him to Miami. Keep Reading NBA Fans…
Where else might Damian Lillard be traded if not to Miami? Discord has arisen between Portland and Miami.
Since the beginning of the summer, it has been widely assumed that Damian Lillard will be moved to the Miami Heat.
The assumption was that Miami would present Portland with their best offer, which would involve a third team taking on Tyler Herro, and the Trail Blazers would take him because they have no other choice.
That viewpoint has evolved. Despite Trail Blazers general manager Joe Cronin’s best efforts, a trade with the Heat has not been initiated. However, league sources have verified to NBC Sports that momentum is developing towards a transaction.
Cronin’s hesitation to make a deal with Miami could be due in part to his personal distaste for the Heat’s roster, but it could also be the result of pressure from higher-ups in the Blazers’ organisation or from outside forces.
The fact that Miami is sending signals like “we’re comfortable running it back” indicates they see where this is going. A phone call may change everything in an instant, but as of right now, Lillard does not appear to be headed for South Beach.
Where else might that commercial partner be found outside Miami?
Jake Fischer of Yahoo Sports detailed the increased interest in Toronto and Phoenix. Lillard to Toronto, Deandre Ayton to Portland with one or two first-round selections, and Jusuf Nurkic (and probably another role player) to Phoenix appear to be at the centre of the trade (or trades).
The trade hinges on OG Anunoby, who will join the Trail Blazers in Portland (or the Suns, depending on the final terms). Toronto wants to try something similar to what it accomplished with Kawhi Leonard, thus the team is willing to trade for Lillard, Pascal Siakam, and an up-and-coming Scottie Barnes.
If Anunoby decides to remain in the Pacific Northwest, Timberwolves fans would claim that the Blazers’ offer of Ayton and five choices is superior to Miami’s.
Although Fred VanVleet and Kyle Lowry were mentioned as potential trade candidates prior to Anunoby and Siakam, Toronto ultimately decided against trading any of them.
The fact that Lillard would continue to push Toronto to move him (but still show up to training camp and play) raises serious doubts about whether or not this will be the transaction they ultimately decide to make. Even so, it looks like we’re making progress.
It’s more difficult to picture Chicago getting involved, landing Lillard, and sending out All-Star Zach LaVine. Since Portland is unlikely to be interested in LaVine and his max contract, the Bulls have been quietly shopping LaVine around this summer and have received no meaningful interest (at least at the price Chicago is asking).
Some supporters are enthusiastic about a three-team trade that would involve the Trail Blazers, the 76ers, and the Clippers. In return, the Trail Blazers would receive a group of role players and a pair of first-round selections from the 76ers and the Clippers.
That trade, however, is quite doubtful unless both the 76ers and Clippers alter their minds and agree to add Tyrese Maxey (who would go to Portland) and Terrence Mann (who would go to Philadelphia).
New Orleans, Oklahoma City, and San Antonio are often suggested as potential trade partners for Portland since they possess the necessary round selections and/or players. However, none of those groups seems invested or enthusiastic.
If the Miami Heat come through with their best offer, a straight up trade involving Tyler Herro, Kyle Lowry, Jaime Jaquez Jr., and Nikola Jovic could be the best option for Portland. Can the Trail Blazers finally celebrate a comeback? No.
That may not be the finest offer, but it may be the most exciting if the Jazz, Nets, or Hornets decide to join the fray. Of course, the first step is for Miami to make their best offer (and involve the appropriate third team), neither of which has happened as of yet.
Consequently, Portland must communicate with Miami, but it shows no signs of doing so. Because of this, concerns are mounting that Lillard’s career path may not be the one he had hoped for.
