As the Portland Trail Blazers continue to take their time to find a trade package for Damian Lillard, people around the league have grown impatient. It has already been a month since the point guard requested a trade. Portland has lost on several great opportunities, but at what cost? It is apparent that they want a package that matches Lillard’s market value. But this has caused a major delay as well.
NBA insider Adrian Wojnarowski revealed that the Blazers have been unhappy with what the Miami Heat have offered them. He said, “Miami remains a team most motivated that has enough assets to eventually, perhaps, outbid the market. The problem is Portland looks at what Miami has, doesn’t love it, and keeps hoping something better is going to come along. It may or may not.”
“Miami remains a team most motivated that has enough assets to eventually, perhaps, outbid the market. The problem is: Portland looks at what Miami has, doesn’t love it, and keeps hoping something better is going to come along. It may or may not.” – (via @wojespn) pic.twitter.com/uCp69laDgi
— Miami Heat Beat (We Just Cover The Team) (@miaheatbeat) July 31, 2023
So far, the Heat have not exactly revealed what their offers were. But word around the league states that there were multiple packages offered to Portland, which they have rejected. Sources claim that the Blazers have yet to engage in serious trade talks with Miami as well. But a delay until next month will eventually force the Blazers to decide on whether to include Lillard in training camp.
The Miami Heat could eventually run out of options to convince Portland to trade Damian Lillard
It was recently reported that the Heat is preparing an offer for Damian Lillard. The package will include at least four first-round picks, first-round swaps, second-round picks, valuable young players, and expiring contracts. Ultimately, Portland will have to decide whether they feel the package fits the bill. However, Wojnarowski further added that Miami could eventually run out of options and quit.
Heat’s potential trade offer for Damian Lillard:
3-4 first round picks
Pick swaps
2nd round picks
Tyler Herro
Expiring contracts
Young players(Via @ShamsCharania ) pic.twitter.com/faqBSRkeMe
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) July 31, 2023
“You’re getting to the dog days of summer as July turns to August. Lots of GMs, team Presidents, owners who are involved in these conversations, they’re going on vacations. Teams aren’t engaged, there are no deadlines looming. That’s certainly slowed up this process. Miami is not going to bid against itself and keep upping its offer,” he told Malika Andrews on ESPN. This will further delay the process of Damian Lillard transitioning onto the Heat’s roster.
Portland missed out on a couple of valuable players during free agency. Gabe Vincent signed a new deal with the Los Angeles Lakers. And Max Strus left Miami to sign with the Cleveland Cavaliers. Both individuals were essential pieces of the Heat’s roster during the playoffs. A package including both of them as well as Tyler Herro would have been a considerable offer. Herro is still involved in this scenario and remains a constant asset in packages the Heat has to offer.
