Scoot Henderson is ready to be the new franchise player for the Portland Trail Blazers if Damian Lillard is traded this NBA offseason. Lillard has requested a trade from the Blazers and wants to get traded to the Miami Heat.
Lillard was upset the Blazers didn’t trade the third overall pick in the 2023 draft for a star player. Portland drafted Henderson, who plays the same position as Lillard, with the third pick.
One of the greatest players in NBA history, Lillard has expressed his frustration with the Blazers in recent years for failing to construct a roster capable of making a title push. The Weber State product felt the time was now to request a trade after coming off a career year. He averaged 32.2 points, 4.8 rebounds and 7.3 assists this past season.
The Heat are prepared to offer the Blazers a package centered around Tyler Herro, with possibly Duncan Robinson and draft picks. Miami would prefer to keep Caleb Martin out of any trade scenarios. The Blazers could try to include Jusuf Nurkic in a deal to shed his salary. Lillard has a close relationship with Nurkic.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Damian Lillard, Scoot Henderson & Portland Trail Blazers Updates
The Heat, who have reached two NBA Finals since Jimmy Butler came to South Beach in 2019, believe they can win it all next season with Lillard in the fold next to Butler and Bam Adebayo. It’s worth mentioning that Lillard and Adebayo are very close friends.
Since Lillard doesn’t have a no-trade clause in his contract, the Blazers can trade him wherever they want to. Their focus is getting the best return possible for Lillard.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Damian Lillard, Scoot Henderson & Portland Trail Blazers Updates
The Heat didn’t aggressively pursue a trade for Bradley Beal, who was traded by the Washington Wizards to the Phoenix Suns, because Hall of Famer Pat Riley wanted to save his assets for Lillard. It’s going to be fascinating to see if Lillard lands with the Heat or if the Blazers trade him somewhere else.
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