The Portland Trail Blazers trading Damian Lillard to the Miami Heat remains the most likely outcome, according to NBA insider Shams Charania of The Athletic.
Lillard has requested a trade from the Blazers and wants to get traded to the Heat. Since Lillard doesn’t have a no-trade clause in his contract, the Blazers can trade him anywhere. However, there remains a strong belief a deal with Miami remains the most likely outcome.
“As our Sam Amick reported over the weekend, league sources indicate the Blazers are entertaining offers from around the league to seek the best possible deal for them, though there remains a strong belief a deal to Miami remains the most likely outcome,” Charania wrote. “Lillard’s openness with his preference is expected to keep other teams at bay without assurance that Lillard would be happy to join them.”
Lillard is close friends with Bam Adebayo. Jimmy Butler has also told Pat Riley that he wants Lillard on the Heat.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Damian Lillard, Miami Heat & Portland Trail Blazers Updates
A future Hall of Famer, Lillard averaged 32.2 points, 4.8 rebounds and 7.3 assists this past season while shooting 46.3% from the field, 37.1% from beyond the arc and 91.4% from the free-throw line. The Heat, who have reached two NBA Finals since Butler joined the team in 2019, believe they can win it all next season with Lillard in the fold next to Butler and Adebayo.
Lillard has expressed his frustration with the Blazers in recent years for failing to assemble a roster capable of making a championship push. The Weber State product felt the time was now to request a trade after coming off a career year.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Damian Lillard, Miami Heat & Portland Trail Blazers Updates
Lillard has career averages of 25.2 points, 4.2 rebounds and 6.7 assists. He’s one of the best players in the NBA right now and could win a championship with the Heat next season if the Blazers trade him to South Beach. Miami lost to the Denver Nuggets in the 2023 Finals in five games. The team is missing a superstar like Lillard.
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