It seems this offseason just might see Damian Lillard finally switch teams, and he won’t be going to a rebuilding team as it currently looks.
The Miami Heat may have missed on trading for Bradley Beal, but they’ve reportedly already set their sights on a far greater prize that could get them over the hump.
According to Bleacher Report’s Chris Haynes, Miami is focused on the possibility of acquiring Portland Trail Blazers All-Star Damian Lillard and the belief is that the deal could go down this summer.
Per NBA insider Chris Haynes, “Miami’s focus is Portland superstar Damian Lillard with the genuine belief this could be the offseason the veteran guard seeks a change of scenery.”
Lillard has been the subject of trade rumors for several years, but he has made it clear he wanted to stick with Portland and put the grind in to win where he was drafted. However, he also named the Heat and Nets as two teams he’d be interested in playing for if he’s not in Portland.
The Blazers currently hold the No. 3 overall pick in the NBA Draft and there are a number of teams who want to move up and secure that pick in the hopes of landing Scoot Henderson, with the New Orleans Pelicans seemingly at the top of that list. The Blazers would reportedly like to use that pick to add a star teammate for Lillard.
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The Blazers have missed the playoffs two years in a row and have made it past the first round just once in the past seven seasons.
The Phoenix Suns have already made the biggest trade so far this offseason by acquiring three-time All-Star Bradley Beal in a package that included Chris Paul.
Coming off of an NBA Finals loss, Miami is looking to trade for Lillard in order to get over the hump and win its first title since LeBron James was in town.
Lillard averaged a career-high 32.2 points to go along with 7.3 assists and 4.8 rebounds per game in the 2022-23 season. The Heat, known for its defense, would be targeting that immense offensive production Lillard could bring and that they desperately need.
