Michael Nyarko
The Miami Heat and Portland Trail Blazers are expected to restart trade discussions concerning All-Star guard Damian Lillard, according to NBA insider Shams Charania.
This marks a favorable development for the Heat, as discussions in the ongoing Lillard trade situation had recently reached a standstill.
Shams Charania also holds the belief that if a team like the Toronto Raptors were to acquire Damian Lillard through a trade, Lillard might not choose to join that them.
“At this point… the only two training camps that Damian Lillard would report to, in theory: Portland and Miami.”
NBA Insider @ShamsCharania updates us on Damian Lillard. pic.twitter.com/zdUyUwWiko
— The Rally (@TheRally) September 11, 2023
The fact that Damian Lillard is only willing to play for Miami or Portland in any potential trade situation puts the Miami Heat in a favorable position.
If Lillard refuses to play for other teams, it limits Portland’s ability to negotiate with other suitors, making Miami a primary contender for the long-time Blazers point guard.
Lillard, a seven-time All-Star, had an impressive 2022-23 season, averaging 32.2 points and 7.3 assists per game with strong shooting percentages. Despite his individual success, the Blazers missed the playoffs.
To acquire Lillard, the Heat would likely have to part ways with guard Tyler Herro and possibly either, World Cup runner-up — Nikola Jokic or Jaime Jaquez Jr. to entice Joe Cronin.
Since Lillard has several seasons left on his contract, a trade would commit him to Miami for the foreseeable future.
In exchange for some of their pieces in the trade, NBA insider Marc Stein suggests that the Heat could potentially acquire wing player Kelly Oubre Jr. Oubre has moved between various teams in recent seasons but had a standout year with the Charlotte Hornets in the 2022-23 season, averaging a career-high 20.3 points per game.