Kofi Inkoom
The Miami Heat’s attempt to acquire Damian Lillard seems to be stuck, and there’s no sign of progress despite reports that the two teams have been accelerating the negotiation process.
According to ESPN’s Brian Windhorst, the Portland Trail Blazers are expecting the Heat to put together the most appealing trade package for the All-Star guard.
Brian, speaking on the Hoop Collective podcast, stated that when it comes to exclusive negotiations between the Portland Trail Blazers and the Miami Heat for Damian Lillard, the Blazers anticipate a level of commitment from the Heat akin to what the Phoenix Suns did in the Kevin Durant trade.
In other words, they want the Heat to meticulously explore all possibilities and offer the best possible trade package. However, the Heat don’t seem inclined to go to such lengths.
“What the Blazers want, if they’re dealing with one team, if it is Miami or nothing, they want what the Nets got from the Suns [for Kevin Durant], which is the Suns literally scrounging. … They want the Heat to literally scrounge into every nook and cranny and produce everything they possibly can. The Heat don’t feel a need to do that,”
Blazers reportedly eyeing a major asset exchange from the Heat in Damian Lillard talks..
“What the Blazers want, if they’re dealing with one team, if it is Miami or nothing, they want what the Nets got from the Suns [for Kevin Durant], which is the Suns literally scrounging…. pic.twitter.com/n58qidfbnY
— NBArepublic.com (@nba_republic) September 18, 2023
Damian Lillard has expressed his desire to join the Miami Heat since he requested a trade from the Portland Trail Blazers back in July.
No other serious contenders have entered the discussions, resulting in a standoff that could extend into the training camp.
Blazers’ GM Joe Cronin remains steadfast in his pursuit of the best possible deal for Lillard, as he promised in July, even if it takes months to resolve.
However, time is running out for negotiations if they intend to finalize a deal before the regular season begins.
Training camp is less than two weeks away, and Lillard’s trade request has the potential to disrupt team preparations in both Miami and Portland.
In Miami, players might enter camp uncertain about their future, while in Portland, Lillard’s presence could hinder the development of the team’s young core.
Unless another party steps forward with the trade package that Portland desires, it might be in everyone’s best interest to find a compromise and complete the trade.