The Miami Heat have been heavily involved in the trade market in the last few weeks. They just let go of Gabe Vincent, who joined the Los Angeles Lakers. Up next, Portland Trail Blazers superstar Damian Lillard has also submitted a trade request, and the Heat are said to be his favored destination right now. It is not the first time in the last weeks that the world has learned about his intention to move to Miami.
Damian Lillard is prepared to only play for the Miami Heat and his stance is Heat-or-bust, per @sam_amick
“He wants to compete with Jimmy Butler and Bam Adebayo, to grow inside that famed ‘Heat culture’ system under Pat Riley and Erik Spoelstra while becoming the final piece to… pic.twitter.com/350tP9A6qJ
— NBACentral (@TheNBACentral) July 2, 2023
There were multiple rumors about Dame wanting to leave Portland, especially after staying 11 years and having no ring to show for it. There have been many world-class players to have never won a ring, but Dame is surely on the hunt, considering his hunger to stay at the top.
Even though he’s 32 years old right now, Dame is undoubtedly one of the best guards in the league. He averaged 32.2 points, 7.3 assists, and 4.8 rebounds in 58 games in the 2022-23 season. The American also managed to make an appearance at the 2023 All-Star Game, his 7th since being drafted in 2012.
Now, the reports mention that the Heat are trying to make a deal happen, and have even contacted multiple teams to negotiate a three-team deal. Dame has also expressed his admiration for Jimmy Butler in the past. This could explain why he wants to move to Miami, the franchise’s culture and values would be tempting for a player like Dame.
Will the Miami Heat pull off a three-team deal for Damian Lillard?
According to multiple reports, the Heat have been in contact with the Utah Jazz and Brooklyn Nets. The Trail Blazers reportedly have no interest in signing Tyler Herro. His gameplay is not the issue, but the 4-year/$120 million contract that just kicked in on July 1. This is the main reason why the Heat look to convince a third team to take on Herro, and a couple of draft picks.
The Blazers are looking for a 3rd team to send Tyler Herro, per @JakeLFischer pic.twitter.com/cjjWagLu4N
— NBACentral (@TheNBACentral) July 1, 2023
REPORT: Miami has reached out to Brooklyn as potential third team to land Tyler Herro in Damian Lillard to Heat trade, per @IanBegley pic.twitter.com/FNtpozhT62
— Legion Hoops (@LegionHoops) July 1, 2023
There is almost no chance that the Jazz would part ways with Lauri Markkanen or Walker Kessler. They could let go of Talen Horton Tucker, or one of their newly-signed players to ensure that the salaries are matched with Herro’s. The Nets, on the other hand, are also in the middle of a rebuild. They just let go of Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving a few months ago and managed to get Mikal Bridges and Nic Claxton in return.
Although there haven’t been any reports regarding this, it wouldn’t be a huge surprise if the Nets involve Ben Simmons and Duncan Robinson in a deal. Simmons’ time in New York has been swamped with injuries, and he’s still looking to make a lasting comeback.
With that said, there is a huge chance that the Nets or Jazz could walk away with Herro, and the Heat could get what they want. Ultimately, the Blazers will be left with a young roster. But with Scoot Henderson on the roster, they could build around him in the coming years.
