The Miami Heat were supposed to acquire Damian Lillard. The mutual interest between this player and the team has been the worst-kept secret in the NBA. Lately, it’s looking like it may not even happen.
Recently, the Toronto Raptors have emerged as frontrunners for Lillard. The Chicago Bulls are seen as candidates to land his services as well. Even the Boston Celtics are dark horse contenders. Sure, the Heat are still in the running. They’re no longer the obvious candidates to land Lillard. Suddenly, it seems like there’s some competition in his trade market.
What will the Heat do? This team could still use an upgrade at the point guard spot. If they can’t land Lillard, they may want to look at a replacement. How about Cole Anthony of the Orlando Magic?
The Trade Proposal
Orlando Magic Receive: G Kyle Lowry, 2027 First-Round Pick (Top 5 Protected – MIA)
Miami Heat Receive: F/C Jonathan Isaac, G Cole Anthony
With that said, even the Magic have been linked to Lillard. This situation is interesting. Plenty of teams have been linked to Lillard. Yet, Lillard is allegedly only interested in joining one team. What does it all mean?
It may point to some exaggerated concerns about player empowerment. This summer, Lillard has been a poster boy for the movement. His insistence on joining one team has rubbed people the wrong way. He’s limited the Blazers’ market, right? Apparently not. By all accounts, there’s a robust market for his services.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Cole Anthony, Orlando Magic & Miami Heat Updates
At least, we think there is. It’s entirely possible that this is all moot – the announcement that Lillard is officially on the Heat could come at any moment. Let’s assume that they aren’t able to pay him. Would Anthony be a suitable replacement?
Why The Miami Heat Do The Deal
What does the Heat need from a point guard? They don’t need an elite floor general. Bam Adebayo is one of the best playmaking bigs in the NBA. Jimmy Butler can set up teammates as well. Miami could simply use a reliable half-court scorer at the position.
Anthony can fit that role. This is a player who can go get buckets. Moreover, his efficiency could spike on the Heat. Anthony has only played for the rebuilding Magic throughout his career. Alongside stars like Adebayo and Butler, he may score with volume and efficiency.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Cole Anthony, Orlando Magic & Miami Heat Updates
Meanwhile, Isaac is mostly a throw-in here. He’s perhaps the most injury-prone player in the NBA. Still, Miami would be happy to land his expiring contract. On the other hand, if he can get healthy, this could be a huge win for the Heat. A healthy Isaac is among the best defensive wings in the NBA. Should the Magic give him up?
Why The Orlando Magic Do The Deal
At this point, we can assume that Orlando is tired of waiting for Isaac to get healthy. Moreover, he’s been surpassed in this team’s rotation by Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner. It’s time to move on.
It may be time to move on from Anthony, too. It’s been rumored that Orlando could look to move him this season. That checks out. The Magic have a surplus of talented young guards. Between Anthony Black, Jalen Suggs, Markelle Fultz, and Anthony, he may be the odd man out.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Cole Anthony, Orlando Magic & Miami Heat Updates
That’s part of why acquiring Lowry makes sense. He’d be a perfect mentor for that group of talented young guards. Meanwhile, he’s also on an expiring deal – this is not a long-term commitment. Still, a lightly protected pick is the most valuable asset that Orlando is landing here. That might be enough to lead them to help the Heat find a replacement for Lillard.
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