According to Marc J. Spears of ESPN, there are over five NBA teams interested in a multiteam trade that could land Damian Lillard with the Miami Heat. Lillard has requested a trade from the Portland Trail Blazers and only wants to play for the Heat.
“Damian Lillard wants to play for Miami and only Miami, I have been continually told since Saturday,” Spears wrote. “Certainly, it’s easier said than done. I’m told that while Portland isn’t happy with potential packages, there are over five teams interested in a potential multiteam trade that could get it done. It won’t be today or tomorrow or perhaps the next day, but I believe it will ultimately end up with Lillard going to Miami.
“While Lillard does not have a no-trade clause, it doesn’t make sense to trade for a future Hall of Famer who doesn’t want to be there.”
Lillard is close friends with Bam Adebayo. Both Adebayo and Jimmy Butler have told Pat Riley to do whatever it takes to get Lillard in Miami. The Heat didn’t trade for Bradley Beal because Riley wanted to save his assets for Lillard. Beal wound up getting traded by the Washington Wizards to the Phoenix Suns.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Damian Lillard, Portland Trail Blazers & Miami Heat Updates
The Blazers are not interested in the players the Heat can offer them for Lillard. It appears Portland and Miami will have to do a three-team trade for Lillard to land with the Heat, who lost to the Denver Nuggets in the 2023 NBA Finals in five games.
A seven-time All-Star, Lillard averaged 32.2 points, 4.8 rebounds and 7.3 assists last season while shooting 46.3% from the field, 37.1% from beyond the arc and 91.4% from the free-throw line. He’ll make $45.6 million next season.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Damian Lillard, Portland Trail Blazers & Miami Heat Updates
The Heat believe they can win multiple championships with Lillard in the fold next to Butler and Adebayo. It’s going to be fascinating to see if Riley can acquire Dame.
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