When a star player demands a trade in the NBA, it puts his team in a bind. Trading them isn’t always as easy as one might think.
Often, the star player provides the team with a list of teams he’d be willing to join. That alone limits a team’s options. With that said, it helps if that list is longer than one team.
Apparently, that’s the size of Damian Lillard’s list. He’s told the Portland Trail Blazers that he’s willing to go to the Miami Heat, and only the Miami Heat. Do the Blazers have to trade him to the Miami Heat?
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Damian Lillard, Portland Trail Blazers & Miami Heat Updates
Not necessarily. With that said, opposing teams may be apprehensive about acquiring Lillard if he won’t be happy to join them. With that in mind, the Blazers may do well to just find a way to send Lillard to Miami. Here are two deals that we think could work for all parties involved.
Trade #1
Brooklyn Nets Receive: G Tyler Herro, G/F Duncan Robinson
Portland Trail Blazers Receive: F/C Ben Simmons, 2025 First-Round Pick (PHX via BKN), 2027 First-Round Pick (MIA), 2029 First-Round Pick (DAL via BKN), 2029 First-Round Pick (MIA)
Miami Heat Receive: G Damian Lillard
With that said, if the Blazers don’t want Tyler Herro, there will have to be a third team involved in any deal. Related question: why would the Blazers want Herro? This team just drafted Scoot Henderson. They’ve got Shaedon Sharpe and Anfernee Simons. Portland is already stacked with young guards with star potential.
All they really need in exchange for Lillard is draft capital. This deal has them netting four unprotected first-round picks. Meanwhile, the Nets have a use for Herro, and the Heat get their man.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Damian Lillard, Portland Trail Blazers & Miami Heat Updates
On the other hand, this trade also has Portland absorbing Ben Simmons’ contract. If they’re not interested in doing so, that’s understandable. In that event, these two sides may need to find another third team to get involved in a deal. How about the Orlando Magic?
Trade #2
Orlando Magic Receive: G Tyler Herro
Portland Trail Blazers Receive: F/C Jonathan Isaac, G/F Gary Harris, F Nikola Jovic .2025 First-Round Pick (ORL), 2027 First-Round Pick (MIA), 2029 First-Round Pick (MIA)
Miami Heat Receive: G Damian Lillard
Does this seem like a bad return for Portland? We agree. There happens to be nothing we can do about it. After all, their options are limited. If Lillard will only join the Heat, and the Blazers don’t want Herro, both sides need to find a third party who’s willing to send out a first-round pick for Herro.
The Magic may be that team. They could use a guard who spaces the floor. Herro does so, and he can create his own shot as well. He’s a perfect fit for this roster.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Damian Lillard, Portland Trail Blazers & Miami Heat Updates
Meanwhile, Portland still walk away with three first-round picks and a promising young player in Jokic here. If Isaac can get his body right, this deal could end up looking OK for them in a few years. Especially considering that Lillard insisted on landing on one team and one team only.
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