Who deserves blame in Miami Heat failing to trade for Damian Lillard?

Mar 8, 2023; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Portland Trail Blazers guard Damian Lillard (0) reacts during a break in the action against the Boston Celtics in the second quarter at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 8, 2023; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Portland Trail Blazers guard Damian Lillard (0) reacts during a break in the action against the Boston Celtics in the second quarter at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports
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Apr 19, 2023; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Milwaukee Bucks guard Jrue Holiday (21) looks to shoot during the third quarter against the Miami Heat during game two of the 2023 NBA Playoffs at Fiserv Forum. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 19, 2023; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Milwaukee Bucks guard Jrue Holiday (21) looks to shoot during the third quarter against the Miami Heat during game two of the 2023 NBA Playoffs at Fiserv Forum. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports

Should the Heat try to trade for Jrue Holiday? What should they be willing to give up?

Noah: Jrue Holiday would be a pretty good consolation prize. The Heat are in win-now mode and probably have one more chance to win a title with Butler as the go-to guy. Holiday is a key championship piece and an elite defender, who would fit in nicely with Butler and Adebayo. The Heat shouldn’t be willing to give up much more than a first-rounder and salary filler to acquire the 33-year-old star.

Alex: Miami should be in the mix for Holiday. Adding Holiday to a defensive duo of Jimmy Butler and Bam Adebayo would cause teams headaches. When looking at the current roster, Holiday would be the clear-cut best point guard on a team that is currently thin at that position. While Holiday is 33, he is still a premiere defender who can facilitate and can score efficiently. In a window where Butler is now 34, Miami should be willing to offer a first-round pick plus the needed salary to acquire Holiday.

Azam: On paper, I would be open to acquiring a still-great two-way player, especially one who plays a position Miami has a gaping hole at. But I don’t think Miami can do any business with Portland until the Trail Blazers’ messy ownership situation is resolved and there are new faces to deal with in that front office. I would venture there’s probably a good deal of mutual bitterness emanating from both parties right now. They need to look elsewhere to augment their roster.

Stephanie: Jrue Holiday could complement Miami’s roster. He is a talented two-way player who can guard well on defense, but also make plays and score efficiently on offense. With Miami’s major need for a point guard, they should consider acquiring Holiday for a first-round draft pick with the necessary salary to get the deal done.