If you’re a fan of the NBA, you’re waiting for the announcement. The Portland Trail Blazers are sending Damian Lillard to the Miami Heat. This feels inevitable – to some. Others would caution Heat fans not to count their chickens before they hatch.
Sure, we’re in the era of star player empowerment. If Lillard wants to take his talents to South Beach, he’ll find a way – right? Well, it’s not that simple. Lillard is on a long-term contract. Simply put, the Blazers don’t have to send him anywhere. Lately, it’s looking like Lillard could entertain other suitors – some of whom will have a better offer to make than the Heat can.
We’ll see how it unfolds. In the meantime, the Heat could still stand to upgrade their backcourt. If Lillard isn’t available, they’ll have to turn elsewhere. Could they target an old backcourt mate of Lillard’s in CJ McCollum of the New Orleans Pelicans?
The Trade Proposal
New Orleans Pelicans Receive: G Kyle Lowry, F Nikola Jovic, 2027 First-Round Pick (Top 10 Protected – MIA)
Miami Heat Receive: G CJ McCollum
Why would Lillard’s departure to Miami be inevitable? Well, we’ve seen this movie before. Lillard’s agent could inform any other suitors that he won’t report to training camp. That team won’t trade for Lillard. Eventually, the field gets whittled down to one.
OK – so why isn’t it inevitable? Well, we’ve seen these general parameters at play before. This specific situation feels a bit unique. Lillard is under contract for several more years. Meanwhile, Miami simply doesn’t have, in a vacuum, a competitive offer for him. There is real potential for a standoff here.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: CJ McCollum, New Orleans Pelicans & Miami Heat Updates
Does Lillard want that? We doubt it. He’s nearing the end of his career. At some point, it feels likely that Lillard will concede and open up the list of teams he’d willingly join. In that event, should Miami settle for less and trade for McCollum?
Why The Miami Heat Do The Deal
Do the Heat really need Damian Lillard? This team just clued up a trip to the NBA Finals. Sure, they feel bound to regress from that lofty level. To what extent? Shouldn’t a more marginal upgrade suffice for Miami?
We think so. With that in mind, McCollum could be the answer. He’d give Miami another shot creator. He’s also an elite floor spacer who would compliment Jimmy Butler and Bam Adebayo. Finally, McCollum’s playmaking has developed. He’s become a player that’s adept at setting up teammates. This should be a good fit.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: CJ McCollum, New Orleans Pelicans & Miami Heat Updates
Moreover, Miami won’t have to break the bank for him. The Heat may not have a good offer to make for Lillard. By contrast, McCollum should be affordable. Should the Pelicans give him up for this price?
Why The New Orleans Pelicans Do The Deal
If McCollum has a weakness in his game, it’s on the defensive end of the floor. That’s not a major concern for Miami – Butler and Adebayo can make up a lot of ground. On the other hand, the Pelicans don’t have a great defensive roster. McCollum may not be the best fit with this core.
Since he’s on a long-term deal, that’s concerning. This deal has the Pelicans alleviating those concerns. At the same time, McCollum remains a dynamic offensive player. The Pelicans can’t afford to trade him for scraps. Luckily, that’s not what they’re doing here. This deal has them receiving value for the veteran guard.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: CJ McCollum, New Orleans Pelicans & Miami Heat Updates
After all, Lowry is on an expiring deal. He’ll be a strong veteran presence for one year, and then, the Pelicans can bring him back on a much cheaper deal – if at all. Still, adding an intriguing young player like Jovic and a lightly protected pick should clinch this deal for the Pelicans. If so, it’ll help Miami get their backcourt upgrade in the process – Lillard or not.
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