Kofi Inkoom
The Portland Trail Blazers reportedly had their sights set on acquiring Jimmy Butler or Bam Adebayo from the Miami Heat in exchange for Damian Lillard during the summer.
From the moment Lillard made his trade request three months ago, he communicated to the Blazers that he specifically desired a move to the 2023 Eastern Conference champions, Miami Heat.
Lillard felt that after dedicating 11 seasons to the Blazers, it was time for the franchise to facilitate his move to his preferred destination.
Shams Charania of The Athletic reported that the Heat believed Portland showed “no inclination to entertain a deal” after the initial proposal.
“The Heat came to believe that the Blazers had little to no interest in engaging in a deal with them, and as much as Lillard and Goodwin wished that the Blazers would attempt to satisfy his wish, Portland refused. “ – Shams wrote.
Throughout July, the Blazers and Heat engaged in multiple conversations, but substantial negotiations never took place.
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In their initial discussion, the Blazers inquired about the possibility of acquiring Jimmy Butler or Bam Adebayo from the Heat.
“ The Blazers and Heat had multiple conversations in July, but the sides never engaged in substantive negotiations, according to those sources. In an initial call, the Blazers asked the Heat for Jimmy Butler or Bam Adebayo” Shams added.
The Heat eventually concluded that the Blazers were not genuinely interested in pursuing a deal with them, and despite Lillard and his agent Goodwin’s hopes, Portland remained unyielding.
As the summer unfolded, Lillard wished that the Blazers would at least attempt to negotiate a deal with Miami, but his desires, in his view, were left unfulfilled.
In response, Miami countered by offering as many as three first-round picks, several second-round selections, Nikola Jović, expiring contracts, and Tyler Herro, who would have been sent to a third team in exchange for additional assets.
Ultimately, after months of rumors and speculation involving the Heat, Toronto Raptors, Brooklyn Nets, and other potential suitors, Lillard was traded to the Milwaukee Bucks on Wednesday.