Damian Lillard’s Trade Request from the Trail Blazers is ‘Miami-or-bust…but the Heat Needs More Assets’ to Close a Deal for One of the NBA Stars
- Lillard was drafted by Portland in 2012 and became their all-time points leader
- He made the playoffs eight consecutive years, but not since the 2021 season
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Portland Trail Blazer point guard Damian Lillard’s trade request has been described as “Miami-of-Bust,” according to The athletic.
News of Lillard’s trade request broke earlier in the day, and the Miami Heat was considered his destination of choice among teams already associated with attempts to trade for the man who has made “Dame time” over the years. a phenomenon throughout the league.
But it now seems clear that Lillard has his eyes on only one destination.
Several other reports say the Trail Blazers are looking for a third team, as any trade package with the Heat would be centered around sixth man and scoring wing Tyler Herro, who Portland is reportedly not very excited about acquiring.
Herro is coming off the best all-around season of his career after in his first season as a starter after averaging 20.1 points, 5.4 rebounds and 4.2 assists and his four-year, $130 million contract should be included in every deal which closed Miami for Lillard to make a trade work permanently.
The trade request from Damian Lillard of the Portland Trail Blazers is said to be “Miami-or-bust.”
Lillard would form one of the league’s most dangerous trios with Butler and Adebayo
Miami’s main trading asset is Tyler Herro, in whom Portland is reportedly not interested
Based on the comments made by Trail Blazers general manager Joe Cronin, it appears that if a suitable deal cannot be struck with Miami, the organization will choose the trade packages that benefit them the most, regardless of Lillard’s “Miami- or bust wish.
“We’ve made it clear that we want Dame here, but he’s let us know today that he wants to leave and play somewhere else,” Cronin said.
“What has not changed for us is that we are determined to win and we will do what is best for the team to pursue that goal.”
The Brooklyn Nets and Los Angeles Clippers would be early contenders to trade for the soon-to-be 33-year-old superstar, but those teams may have been linked to negotiations as the potential third team in a potential deal.
It is also said that Miami is hoping to keep playoff standout Caleb Martin out of trade talks following the departure of key players Gabe Vincent and Max Strus into free agency.
If Lillard’s Miami dream finally comes true, he, Jimmy Butler and Bam Adebayo would form one of the league’s most dangerous trios in South Beach, creating a level of excitement in South Florida not seen since LeBron James, Chris Bosh, and Dwayne Wade formed their own big three.
While Lillard doesn’t have a no-trade clause in his contract to deny any potential trade to any destination other than Miami, most teams agree it wouldn’t be wise to trade for a player who still has $216 million in his pocket. has his contract.