The Miami Heat went from Eastern Conference Champions and playing in the NBA Final’s against the Los Angeles Lakers to being out of the playoffs in the first round against the Milwaukee Buck’s. Now, most Miami Heat fans are asking the question, “What does Miami have to do to get back to the top of the mountain again?”
What if Miami made a trade that would send an NBA All-Star and future NBA MVP to Miami? What if Miami was able to land point guard, Damian Lillard, from the Portland Trail Blazers?
Many experts have a made the case that Damian Lillard could be looking for a new team and many have said that the Miami Heat would make the most sense. The Heat have terrific scorers on the team in Bam Adebayo, Goran Dragic, and Jimmy Butler, and adding Lillard would make the rotation that much more dangerous and especially for a team that could make a serious run for the Larry O’Brien Trophy.
The Miami Heat are still a piece or few away from title contention again and Damian Lillard could be that missing link, but of course he could.
With his three point shooting and playmaking ability, Miami could have the pieces for a Finals worthy team immediately if they were able to land him. What would they have to sacrifice to get Lillard from Portland though?
Well, Miami traded away its 2021 and 2023 lottery-protected first-round picks, where NBA rules prevent teams from trading picks in consecutive seasons. Miami and Oklahoma City would then need to remove the protections from the 2023 pick and Miami could, potentially, offer another first-round pick for a different year.
We could also see potential cuts to clear up salary cap for the Heat. They could get to a good number by allowing players like Duncan Robinson and Kendrick Nunn to go, while they could also find another home for Tyler Hero if they wanted to clear the way for Lillard.
They could also trade Dragic, but Miami would lose a great court general and deep three point shooter. There are a few ways to get it done if that’s what they want to do.
There are many teams trying to make moves for Damian Lillard, like the New York Knicks, Los Angeles Clippers, Boston Celtics, the Los Angeles Lakers, and lots of other potential suitors or scenarios that could happen between now and next season. But to some, the real question has to be answered first.
Will Damian Lillard remain loyal to Portland? Will he be looking for a new home, asking for a trade out or Portland?
Will Portland be willing to part ways with its NBA All-Star and future MVP? These are questions that we will just have to be patient with, wait, and see what happens next.
If he is moved, Miami would be an awesome fit though.