If, for whatever reason, the Miami Heat are not able to complete a trade for Damian Lillard, could they turn their attention to another star to help maximize Jimmy Butler’s championship window?
Over the last calendar year, the Heat have been involved in several top stars including Kevin Durant, Donovan Mitchell and, most recently, Lillard, who requested a trade from the Portland Trail Blazers three weeks ago. The Blazers have been reluctant to engage in trade talks with Miami, Lillard’s preferred destination, and the NBA recently sent a memo to all 30 teams regarding the rhetoric around Lillard’s specific trade demand.
The Heat remain focused on acquiring Lillard but there are too many impediments to overcome to consider a deal inevitable. Part of the league’s memo warned Lillard of holding out and not playing in games while under contract, leaving open the possibility that he could return to Portland and play again for the Blazers.
While Lillard should and will remain the Heat’s top priority, what if they cannot complete a deal for the seven-time All-Star? Here are five more stars they should keep an eye on:
1. James Harden
Like Lillard, Harden is also seeking a trade after the Philadelphia 76ers did not give him a raise this summer. Harden is reportedly angling to get dealt to the LA Clippers, but the Clippers lack the assets to get a deal done. Could the Heat get in on a Harden deal?
While not as clean a fit as Lillard, Harden could still help the Heat solve their halfcourt scoring issues. Harden is an eager shooter off the bounce and could welcome a return to being the No. 1 option on offense after playing with reigning MVP Joel Embiid. Harden taking the most shots on offense in Miami would allow Butler and Bam Adebayo to focus on what they do at an elite level — play defense and get teammates involved. Harden is a skilled pick-and-roll ball-handler who could form an elite partnership with Adebayo.
Harden can’t be counted on in the playoffs or to commit to a team long-term, but he could still be worth a look. Would the 76ers accept an offer built around Kyle Lowry’s expiring contract and draft picks? Would a third team that could send a high-level player in exchange for those picks and maybe Tyler Herro have to be involved?