The Miami Heat are at the center of the Damian Lillard rumors, but they may not have enough to acquire him. The seven-time All-Star wants to come to South Beach. It is on the Heat to assemble a package that gets him to Miami and keeps the franchise in title contention, but what if the Blazers are unwilling to accept even their best offer?
Pat Riley and the Heat will chase the next star. They are coming off an NBA Finals appearance and are eager to make another deep run. Miami might feel like they need another top end talent to get over that mountain.
The Heat will be active and aggressive if the Lillard talks falter. It may not be a superstar, but Riley will look to use his assets to improve the roster. Who will be available?
Moves Miami Heat should make if the Damian Lillard trade falls through
5. Trade for CP3
Chris Paul has already been traded twice this offseason. He went from Phoenix to the Wizards in the Bradley Beal deal before being sent to Golden State for Jordan Poole. The Dubs are excited to have the 12-time All-Star, but working him into their system could be a bumpy transition. What if things are not working out as the calendar flips to 2024?
Golden State might look to move on and shed CP3’s salary from their books. The Heat need another ball-handler and playmaker, and Paul is one of the best point guards in league history. The 38-year-old has struggled to stay healthy in recent years, but Miami could bank on him holding up for one final deep playoff run.
The Miami Heat would not be trading for a current superstar in this deal, but Chris Paul raises their ceiling and would not cost the franchise every tradeable asset available.