Damian Lillard wanted to join the Miami Heat. Everyone around the NBA knew it. Recently, it feels that Miami’s mutual interest may have been overstated.
It’s been reported that the Heat had reservations about making a major commitment to a poor defensive player. Is this a case of sour grapes? It’s possible.
It’s easy to say that you weren’t interested in a player that you didn’t land. The Heat may be doing damage control. They didn’t fail to acquire Lillard – they didn’t want to in the first place!
On the other hand, the Heat have always prioritized defense. It’s possible they weren’t as interested as Lillard as we’d assumed. If that’s the case, they could look to target a guard with some defensive value.
How about Immanuel Quickley of the New York Knicks?
NBA Trade Proposal: Miami Heat Land New York Knicks’ Immanuel Quickley
New York Knicks Receive: F/C Kevin Love, 2027 First-Round Pick (Top 10 Protected – MIA)
Miami Heat Receive: G Immanuel Quickley
Perhaps the Heat did want Lillard. It’s also possible that they didn’t Should they have wanted him? That’s a different question altogether.
We’re leaning toward yes. Sure, the Heat prioritize defense. No, Lillard is not strong on that end – frankly, he’s weak. At the same time, he’s one of the best offensive guards in the NBA.
The Heat were fresh off of a Finals appearance – they should have been desperate to upgrade and get over the hump.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Immanuel Quickley, New York Knicks, Miami Heat Updates
Either way, we’re sure the Milwaukee Bucks don’t regret acquiring Lillard. They look like title contenders, and Lillard is once again an offensive powerhouse.
Can the Heat make up for their mistake by acquiring Quickley?
Why The Miami Heat Do The Deal
Well, this isn’t a direct replacement. Quickley is not Lillard. That ship has sailed. The Heat whiffed on Lillard, and in all likelihood, they won’t be able to get in on the sweepstakes for the next superstar to become available.
At the same time, the Heat are enjoying another successful season. A more marginal upgrade might be enough for them. If so, the Heat could use a guard who can create his own shot in half-court sets.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Immanuel Quickley, New York Knicks, Miami Heat Updates
Quickley can do that. He’s also a solid point-of-attack defender who should fit nicely into the Heat’s culture. Sure, he’s due for an extension this summer – Miami can figure that out as Kyle Lowry’s contract expires.
Should the Knicks be the team to avoid paying Quickley?
Why The New York Knicks Do The Deal
That’s part of why the Knicks would do this deal. It’s been rumored that they’re not looking to extend Quickley next summer. If that’s true, New York would do well to move him for whatever value they can get.
In all likelihood, that won’t be an unprotected first. Quickley is a restricted free agent next summer, and he’s not necessarily a clearcut future star.
So, a lightly protected pick ought to do. That’s what New York is getting here. They’re also getting Kevin Love on an extremely marginal contract.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Immanuel Quickley, New York Knicks, Miami Heat Updates
For the Knicks, this is about managing their books and collecting assets. Down the road, they can believably claim that they didn’t want to extend Quickley in the first place.
