So far, several sources have reported that multiple packages have been offered to the Portland Trail Blazers to acquire Damian Lillard. Unfortunately, a deal hasn’t fallen through mainly due to the Blazers’ high demands. It is said that the franchise has not been interested in the packages that have been offered to them. And this ultimately makes it harder to navigate to a potential conclusion.
While the 7x All-Star has admitted wanting a trade out of Portland, he hasn’t confirmed his preferred destination. But based on what’s being told, the Miami Heat are the frontrunners to land him. This is also because Portland has been dealing with Pat Riley and his team a lot over the last two months.
Marc Spears predicts Damian Lillard to be traded to Miami before training camp, per @billoram. pic.twitter.com/nsrFfri5Se
— Legion Hoops (@LegionHoops) August 31, 2023
Damian Lillard was previously involved in an issue with the league. Sources reported that Lillard and his agent Aaron Goodwin warned teams against trading for him. Both individuals denied having made such comments. Lillard also said that he was more than to perform on any team. However, his biggest objective is to win a title, which the Heat could definitely help him achieve. Considering how well they’ve been performing, it’s a no-brainer that they will compete for the title with Lillard.
NBA Insider suggests the Miami Heat may make a mistake by trading Nikola Jovic for Damian Lillard
With all that has been going on, Damian Lillard has been taking time to work on life outside the court. Miami’s offers to the Blazers have included Tyler Herro and multiple first-round picks. Portland rejected the idea of acquiring Herro which forced the Heat to add a couple of other valuable assets. Miami was also open to adding a couple of pick swaps, second-round picks, and expiring contracts.
Amidst all the drama, Nikola Jovic was also included in a package. Recently, NBA insider Brian Windhorst revealed that the Heat might be making a mistake by neglecting Jovic’s talent. He said, “There’s a lot of Heat fans that just want to throw him in a trade for Dame Lillard… they might not feel that way after they watch him play maybe in the preseason or early season.”
WATCH: @WindhorstESPN talks to @naveenganglani about the World Cup big picture, Clarkson, Lillard trade, and Giannis future
For more FIBA updates: https://t.co/eesLPYbZKQ pic.twitter.com/o4sy9WqtTq
— Rappler (@rapplerdotcom) September 4, 2023
Earlier, Jovic commented on the fact that he might be traded. He said, “Of course, I’d love to be in Miami. Those guys are great and they helped me a lot. I would really love to stay with them and continue to grow in basketball and as a person, because they’re unbelievable, you know. What happens, happens. I hope I stay there. That’s all.”
Considering how well he has been playing lately, Miami might have to reconsider its offers involving him for Damian Lillard. He averaged 21.5 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 2 assists in two games during the 2023 NBA Summer League. Jovic has also been averaging 11.2 points for Serbia during the 2023 FIBA World Cup.