It appears that both Damian Lillard and the Miami Heat have to embrace a complex process to fulfill their desired union.
According to Shams Charania of The Athletic, though Lillard maintains his desire to only land in Miami, it will take a lengthy time for them to pull off a deal as the Portland Trail Blazers are expected to further seize the value of the All-Star.
Charania further noted that there are three to four-team potential Lillard trade scenarios with the Heat which will allow the Blazers to capture several draft assets.
“I’m told Damian Lillard only wants to play for the Miami Heat. This is gonna be a patient process. You’re gonna see Portland Trail Blazers general manager Joe Cronin go through the league and track the market and see what else he can get in the marketplace for him,” Charania said on Bally Sports’ “The Rally” on Monday. “But I think, like James Harden, Damian Lillard is a caliber player and is at the age where a preferred destination is the likely path.
Charania added: “And when you think about Miami, I’m told there are three-or-four-team scenarios in a potential deal with the Heat that would potentially net the Blazers several first-round draft picks in a Lillard trade. I think when you look at what Portland could want in a Damian Lillard deal, you’re gonna want assets, young players potentially moving forward. But definitely getting picks in a potential Lillard trade.”
With Lillard ultimately requested to be traded, the Blazers reportedly won’t limit their probable trade partners with just the Heat as they do desire a combination of draft picks, young players, and salary cap relief in exchange for Lillard according to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski.
Added by the fact that Lillard doesn’t have a no-trade clause in his current contract with Portland, his trade desire to join Miami can’t necessarily get honored by the franchise regardless of his unwavering loyalty for them throughout the years.
It remains to be seen how the Heat will be able to maneuver themselves and let go of their precious assets including Tyler Herro. But to acquire an All-NBA caliber and one of the game’s best in Lillard, they really have to pay a hefty price to attain it.