The Miami Heat have been working diligently to try and pry NBA star point guard Damian Lillard from the Portland Trail Blazers. Lillard and his representatives have made it clear that he wants to end up in South Beach, but there hasn’t been any traction to this point on a deal.
The Trail Blazers know that they would be able to get stronger offers from other teams around the league should a bidding war ensue. However, those other franchises are hesitant to offer much knowing they just have to beat the Heat’s best offer. Also, Lillard’s representation reportedly saying he won’t be happy playing another other than Miami has turned some teams off.
The Heat have to continue trying to acquire Lillard as their roster needs an infusion of talent. They lost a lot of key depth this offseason, as point guard Gabe Vincent and wing Max Strus both departed in free agency. Cody Zeller and Omer Yurtseven also departed in free agency.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Damian Lillard, Portland Trail Blazers, Marcus Morris Sr & Miami Heat Updates
The team did bring in Josh Richardson and Thomas Bryant, but if they want to remain among the contenders in the Eastern Conference, more reinforcements will be needed. Could Marcus Morris be one name to keep an eye on?
Morris is currently under contract with the LA Clippers, but some social media posts would hint at him looking to join forces with Lillard in Miami should the opportunity arise. How he would end up in Miami is anyone’s guess, but there have been some discussions of a three-way deal involving the Heat, Clippers and Philadelphia 76ers floated around.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Damian Lillard, Portland Trail Blazers, Marcus Morris Sr & Miami Heat Updates
James Harden and Paul George could be part of that swap, and the Heat could look to get involved to absorb Morris’ contract should the need arise. It could become a giant four-team trade with the Trail Blazers included so that Miami could get their guy in Lillard as part of the deal as well.
It will certainly be something worth keeping an eye on as the Lillard trade rumors aren’t going away anytime soon. Portland’s roster does not look like a contending one once again, so parting ways with their star and getting back as many assets as possible to start their rebuild would make some sense.
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