Damian Lillard is going to be remembered as one who got away for the Miami Heat. However, if the latest rumors are any indication, the Heat were never really in the running for Lillard this time around.
After surprisingly being stretched and waived by the Milwaukee Bucks, the Heat emerged as a natural suitor for Lillard. Just two years before, Lillard famously wanted to be traded to Miami and only Miami. Despite his wishes, we all saw how that ended. Nevertheless, it seemed as if the Heat were going to get a second crack to land Lillard.
In many ways, it was an opportunity for Miami to right a wrong. Instead of joining the Heat, Lillard elected to sign a three-year deal back with the Portland Trail Blazers. It was a move that, while it wasn't surprising, was somewhat unexpected.
Lillard never considered the Heat
But perhaps a second chance at Lillard was just a fairytale narrative in the back of Heat fans' minds. According to recent reports, Lillard seemingly only strongly considered two other teams, aside from the Blazers. The Boston Celtics and Minnesota Timberwolves.
This is not to say that the Heat weren't interested. In fact, they could've been one of the dozen teams that registered interest in Lillard and offered him a deal. However, this report suggests that the Heat was never strongly considered.
Lillard didn't make sense for the Heat this time around
In fairness to the Heat, Lillard didn't make much sense this time around. Two years ago, it was a no-brainer move from the Heat's perspective. The opportunity to add Lillard to an already strong championship-contending team of Jimmy Butler and Bam Adebayo was a simple decision for Miami.
Even though it didn't work out, there's no questioning the Heat's interest at that point. But with Jimmy no longer in Miami, and the Heat pivoting toward more of a "gap" year and honing in on a potential big move for 2026, it was clear from the jump that their timelines no longer crossed with each other.
And these rumors, if nothing else, pretty much echo that.
As fun as it would've been for the Heat to sign Lillard this offseason, it never made the most sense - for either Lillard or the Heat. Both are at very different stages of their careers.
It's bittersweet, but Lillard did what was best for him, and the Heat have turned the page on that star pursuit. It shouldn't come as a shock that the Heat were never considered as a potential landing spot for Lillard, no matter how difficult it may be to swallow for the fan base.