All of the focus for the Miami Heat in recent weeks has been figuring out a way to pry NBA star Damian Lillard away from the Portland Trail Blazers. Despite not having a trade package close in value to what other teams could offer, Lillard and his representatives have stated that Miami is the only place he wants to be.
That has put the Trail Blazers in a bind, as they want to maximize their return for Lillard, but their leverage is being diminished. As long as Lillard’s agents are saying he won’t show up for other teams, franchises likely won’t make offers.
If things happen to not work out with Lillard, the Heat will have to pivot elsewhere. Could one path be attempting to acquire the reigning MVP, Joel Embiid, from the Philadelphia 76ers? That is something that Zach Harper of The Athletic recently proposed in a recent column, reuniting Embiid with Jimmy Butler.
“Daryl Morey is already processing Philly getting subpar value for Harden. However, a trade for Embiid (as awful as that might sound) is eased by Miami offering Bam Adebayo, a versatile four-time All-Star and two-time All-Defense selection. An Adebayo-centered trade package to reunite Butler and Embiid could be an easier pill to swallow. It would end any pursuit of Lillard due to lack of assets, but such a pursuit could also not yield Lillard at all.”
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Joel Embiid, Philadelphia 76ers & Miami Heat Updates
Including Bam Adebayo as part of a trade package for Embiid would certainly put the Heat in the mix. Given his credentials, Adebayo is likely a strong enough centerpiece to compete with the other offers that would be on the table as Embiid’s market would be a strong one.
However, it is fair to ask why the Heat would even consider such a deal. The plan this offseason is to upgrade around the duo of Adebayo and Butler, not break it up and replace one of them.
Such a move could actually set Miami back as they lost a lot of important pieces this offseason already. Acquiring Embiid would require more pieces beyond Adebayo to be included and will assuredly cost more than landing Lillard from the Trail Blazers.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Joel Embiid, Philadelphia 76ers & Miami Heat Updates
While Embiid and Butler would be a dominant duo, there wouldn’t be much else beyond them on the roster to help compete for a championship. Pat Riley has shown he isn’t afraid to make a splash, but acquiring Embiid could do more harm than good to the health of the franchise.
Want the latest NBA analysis, breaking news, and insider information? Click Here. Follow NBA Analysis Network on Twitter and Facebook.
