There isn’t a team in the NBA heading into training camp next week with as much disappointment as the Miami Heat. For months they have been mentioned as the franchise in which Portland Trail Blazers star point guard Damian Lillard wanted to get traded. It felt like a matter of when, not if, a deal would get made.
On Wednesday, a trade centered around Lillard was made, but not involving the Miami Heat. Instead, he was traded to the Milwaukee Bucks in a three-team deal that included the Phoenix Suns.
Instead of having Lillard as their starting point guard, the Heat now have to figure out how to slow him down as the newest star-studded tandem alongside Giannis Antetokounmpo. That is a huge blow for a Miami team coming off of a trip to the NBA Finals that lost a lot of talent during the offseason.
Gabe Vincent and Max Strus moved on in free agency, creating a major void in their lineup. Tyler Herro is unhappy with the organization for being involved in many trade rumors, a relationship the Heat will need to mend.
As the team prepares for the 2023-24 campaign, their need for a lead guard remains. They have been mentioned as a possible suitor for Jrue Holiday, who ended up in Portland as part of the Lillard blockbuster.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Chris Paul, Golden State Warriors & Miami Heat Updates
Another name to keep an eye on is Chris Paul of the Golden State Warriors. Paul was on the Washington Wizards for about a week after being involved in the Bradley Beal trade. He was then flipped to the Warriors in exchange for a package that included a first-round pick and Jordan Poole.
Kevin O’Connor of The Ringer believes that Paul could be on the move again, this time to South Beach. The Heat and Warriors could make for good trade partners, given what each team seeks to upgrade.
Let’s say things go poorly for CP3 with the Warriors. Not many teams need a lead point guard, and few could offer playoff-ready assets in return. Miami could, though.
People will be keeping a close eye on the situation between Paul and the Warriors. His role with the team is not yet clear as head coach Steve Kerr will have his hands full making a decision. Paul has never come off the bench as a professional, but that may change in Golden State.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Chris Paul, Golden State Warriors & Miami Heat Updates
If things sour quickly, the Heat would make sense as a landing spot for the future Hall of Famer. But, it would be fair to question how much he would improve their chances of winning. Paul’s impact has been waning in recent seasons, and his ability to stay healthy on the court.
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