NBA trade rumors are heating up. Pun intended. Apparently, the Miami Heat are closing in on Damian Lillard. This saga has gone on for long enough. Soon, we may finally see it reach its conclusion. 

By now, everyone knows the terms. The Heat want Lillard, and Lillard wants to join the Heat. The Portland Trail Blazers are under no obligation to send him to Miami. With that said, there could be a deal to strike here. If the Heat are willing to include Tyler Herro in a deal, they could find a way to bring Lillard in. 

Only, the Blazers may not want Herro. With Scoot Henderson, Shaedon Sharpe and Anfernee Simons on the roster, this team is stacked with young guard talent. Still, Herro is a talented young guard – someone should be interested in landing him. Here are three deals that have Lillard finally landing on the Heat. 

Utah Jazz & Houston Rockets Facilitate Lillard To Miami Heat Deal 

Utah Jazz Receive: G Tyler Herro 

Houston Rockets receive: G/F Duncan Robinson 

Portland Trail Blazers Receive: G/F Kevin Porter Jr., F/C Kelly Olynyk, G/F Talen Horton-Tucker, 2024 Second-Round Pick (HOU), 2024 Second-Round Pick (BKN via HOU), 2025 First-Round Pick (CLE via UTA), 2027 First-Round Pick (MIA), 2029 First-Round Pick (MIA) 

Miami Heat Receive: G Damian Lillard 

We know what you’re thinking. Porter Jr. was just accused of a horrendous act of abuse. His time in the NBA ought to be over. Why would Portland acquire him? What’s the logic here? 

Well, Portland isn’t acquiring Porter Jr. – they’re acquiring his expiring contract. Sure, the optics may not be ideal. Still, if it’s immediately announced that Porter Jr. will be released, the PR hit may be minimal. Meanwhile, this makes sense for everyone else. The Rockets replace Porter Jr.’s movement shooting, the Jazz upgrade their backcourt, and the Heat get their guy. 

NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Damian Lillard, Portland Trail Blazers, Miami Heat & Utah Jazz Updates

So, this deal requires Portland to be willing to take a PR hit. Perhaps they won’t be – that would be fair enough. In that event, the Heat and Blazers will have to work to find another taker for Herro. 

Brooklyn Nets Acquire Tyler Herro From Miami Heat 

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 (MIA) 

Miami Heat Receive: G Damian Lillard 

Functionally, Portland is getting similar value here. They should be seeking three unprotected first-round picks for Lillard. They’re getting them here. If nothing else matters to Portland, they’ll prefer to take this deal and avoid the headache that comes with (temporarily) adding Porter Jr. to their roster.

This deal is certainly simpler. It still requires the Blazers to make concessions. Should they be willing to take on Simmons’ deal? That depends on your perspective. Simmons is still young enough to get his career back on track. If Portland has some faith in him, they may love this deal. They’re getting a potentially useful player in addition to the same amount of draft capital. 

NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Damian Lillard, Portland Trail Blazers, Miami Heat & Brooklyn Nets Updates

If Portland doesn’t like Simmons, they’ll pause for thought. He’s on one of the more challenging contracts in the NBA – the Blazers may prefer to maintain financial flexibility. In that event, they could look for another team to get involved in the Lillard sweepstakes. 

Charlotte Hornets Send Gordon Hayward To Portland Trail Blazers 

Charlotte Hornets Receive: G Tyler Herro

Portland Trail Blazers Receive: F Gordon Hayward, G/F Duncan Robinson, 2025 First-Round Pick (CHA), 2027 First-Round Pick (MIA), 2029 First-Round Pick (MIA) 

Miami Heat Receive: G Damian Lillard 

This deal is less prominent in the rumor mill. The Rockets are widely known to be shipping Porter Jr., and the Nets have been frequently linked to Herro. Yet, this one may make the most sense of every proposal in this article. 

After all, Portland is getting a large expiring contract in Hayward. This deal has them increasing their financial flexibility moving forward while adding the desired draft capital. From Portland’s perspective, this ought to be perfect. What about the Hornets? 

NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Damian Lillard, Portland Trail Blazers, Miami Heat & Charlotte Hornets Updates

Well, they could use a dynamic off-ball threat like Herro to pair with LaMelo Ball in their backcourt. This team should make the Hornets a better team. Sure, it’s a risky move for a rebuilding team to part with a first-rounder. Still, the Hornets could justify it – they’re getting a young player in return. Don’t be surprised if this rumor starts to heat up until Lillard is finally moved. 

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