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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Mar 29, 2023; New York, New York, USA; Miami Heat guard Tyler Herro (14) warms up before a game against the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 29, 2023; New York, New York, USA; Miami Heat guard Tyler Herro (14) warms up before a game against the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports /

Can Tyler Herro return and flourish in Miami? Or do you think that bridge is burned?

Noah: Herro must be frustrated by now. His name has been mentioned in trade rumors for the past two seasons, and he will probably be the first name mentioned again if the Heat go hunting for another star. He has also missed the last two postseasons with injuries. Herro could return and play an important role in a title run, but it would take an important discussion on both sides to earn back mutual trust.

Alex: I am of the mindset that Tyler Herro will continue to work hard and improve as he’s shown to do each season. I don’t believe there are any bridges burned as Herro was only put in deals for superstars such as Kevin Durant and Damian Lillard. The NBA is a business, and being put in trades for elite players should not affect any relationships with the Heat organization.

Azam: I think Miami would be better served trying to turn Tyler Herro into other pieces to complement the Adebayo-Butler build, but I don’t anticipate that happening at this late stage. I do expect Herro to handle his return in Miami without much acrimony, and he’ll again be a 20-plus point scorer and featured player on this team. I just have a difficult time projecting much more than that from him.

Stephanie: I don’t blame Tyler Herro for probably being frustrated with his name being involved in trade talks for so long. Despite being plagued with injury during the last couple of seasons, he has been putting in major work in the offseason. I think discussions between the Heat organization and Herro can help mend things. I expect him to return this season with no bad blood. Herro’s hard work will pay off. He is coming back stronger and more mature mentally and physically.