Damian Lillard is going to join the Miami Heat. Right? That’s a foregone conclusion – isn’t it? Don’t be so sure. The Toronto Raptors have entered the chat and it has taken over the latest NBA trade rumors. Recently, it’s looked as if the Raptors could make a bid for Lillard’s services.
It’s an interesting situation. On the one hand, we can understand why the Raptors could use Lillard. This team needs an offensive guard who can create in half-court sets. On the other hand, the Raptors are coming off a mediocre season. One could make the case that they’re too far removed from title contention to make a play for someone like Lillard.
Meanwhile, the Heat seem to have made Tyler Herro available in discussions with the Blazers. Why wouldn’t they? This team made a trip to the NBA Finals without him. With that in mind, one wonders if they’d be more generally willing to part with Herro. Could they send him to the Raptors?
The Trade Proposal
Miami Heat Receive: G/F Gary Trent Jr., G Dennis Schroeder, 2026 First-Round Pick (Lottery Protected – TOR)
Toronto Raptors Receive: G Tyler Herro
If you’ve been assuming that Lillard was going to join the Heat, you should adjust your thinking. There are no foregone conclusions in the NBA. This is the most unpredictable league in the world.
Think about it. Recall last summer. The New York Knicks were supposed to land Donovan Mitchell. It was a foregone conclusion. Right? Wrong. In the end, Mitchell would be traded to the Cleveland Cavaliers. Nobody saw it coming – and yet, it happened.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Tyler Herro, Toronto Raptors & Miami Heat Updates
Who knows how the Lillard situation will resolve? Would you be shocked if a team like the New Orleans Pelicans ended up poaching him? You shouldn’t be. Wth that in mind, if the Heat lose out on Lillard, they could be looking for other ways to improve their roster. Does this deal accomplish that goal?
Why The Miami Heat Do The Deal
We think so. For the Heat, this is about depth. They’re swapping one rotation player for two. That might be enough for this team. Again – Miami just advanced to the NBA Finals. Why should they need Lillard, anyway?
Schroeder ought to do the trick. He’s a solid point guard who can penetrate to the rim with relative ease. He’s not a superstar, but that’s fine – the Heat have got superstars. Schroeder can manage their offense and ought to thrive in Eric Spoeltra’s drive and kick system.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Tyler Herro, Toronto Raptors & Miami Heat Updates
Still, this package is highlighted by Trent Jr. He’s a solid 3-and-D guard who can create his own shot at times as well. Throw in a protected first, and this deal could have the Heat moving on from a player they didn’t seem to need last year anyway. Do the Raptors need Herro?
Why The Toronto Raptors Do The Deal
The Raptors are a bit confusing at the moment. Most people seem to expect them to begin rebuilding. They seem to be interested in heading in a different direction. So, this deal is appropriately confusing – it’s got the Raptors heading in two directions.
On the one hand, it feels like a win-now move. Here is the most dynamic offensive player in this deal. The Raptors are giving up draft capital. The Raptors would hope to improve following this deal. At the same time, that’s not the only motive that the Raptors have here.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Tyler Herro, Toronto Raptors & Miami Heat Updates
They’re also thinking about the future. That’s why the pick they’re sending out is lottery-protected. More broadly, the Raptors are bringing in a cornerstone player to pair with Scottie Barnes. His ability to self-create would make him a perfect partner to the playmaking wing. This may not be inevitable, but it makes a lot of sense to us.
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