Donovan Mitchell and 2 more stars the Heat can trade for this summer

1. Damian Lillard

Ah, here we go again. Did the Heat miss their chance to trade for Damian Lillard, or did they simply wait long enough to get him for less?

If the Milwaukee Bucks’ unravel in the first round again, it wouldn’t be a shock if Lillard tried to navigate his way out of Milwaukee this summer. After all, it’s not as if Doc Rivers and a shaky roster have inspired much confidence. 

Perhaps the Bucks could be persuaded into trading Lillard to build a slightly younger, more complete roster around Giannis Antetokounmpo (who will be 30 next season) to help extend his championship window.

If the Bucks were to field offers for Lillard, it’s doubtful they would get the same return the Trail Blazers got a year ago. Lillard is still an All-Star, high-octane scorer and feared floor spacer, but at 33 he’s showing some decline. Lillard is averaging the fewest points (24.5) in a full season since 2014-15 and his lowest overall field-goal percentage (42.5%) since 2015-16. 

Still, he’d be the Heat’s top scorer this season. Lillard with Jimmy Butler and Bam Adebayo on an Erik Spoelstra-coached team is arguably a better fit than what Lillard has in Milwaukee. The Heat wanted Lillard before. Maybe they’ll have another chance this summer.