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NBA rumors: LeBron, Draymond hanging out in France, Thunder could sign EuroLeague MVP, Heat chasing Lillard

By Jonathan Lurensky

SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA - APRIL 07: Draymond Green #23 of the Golden State Warriors talks with injured LeBron James #6 of the Los Angeles Lakers in the first half at Chase Center on April 07, 2022 in San Francisco, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA - APRIL 07: Draymond Green #23 of the Golden State Warriors talks with injured LeBron James #6 of the Los Angeles Lakers in the first half at Chase Center on April 07, 2022 in San Francisco, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images) /
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Nov 7, 2022; Miami, Florida, USA; Portland Trail Blazers guard Damian Lillard (0) takes a free throw against the Portland Trail Blazers during the second quarter at FTX Arena. Mandatory Credit: Rich Storry-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 7, 2022; Miami, Florida, USA; Portland Trail Blazers guard Damian Lillard (0) takes a free throw against the Portland Trail Blazers during the second quarter at FTX Arena. Mandatory Credit: Rich Storry-USA TODAY Sports /

NBA rumors: The Heat are heavily chasing Lillard

According to Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald, the Heat backed off their pursuit of Bradley Beal before he was traded to the Suns. This is because they are more interested in Damian Lillard. The Heat are heavily interested in getting Lillard if he requests a trade this offseason but this might be unlikely even if the Trail Blazers end up using the third overall pick on a rookie. (Lillard has said he wants them to trade the pick for a win-now veteran).

The Trail Blazers certainly have assets to make improvements for the team. They have the third overall pick and have the flexibility to trade a lot of their picks way down the line.

This was a very risky bet for a Miami team that was only three wins away from winning a title. This team didn’t really need a lot more to win the NBA championship. Rather than just try to present their full offer for Bradley Beal, they decided to wait for Lillard.

Jackson continues to mention that the Nets might be another team that will try to make a deal for Lillard. The Nets are not interested in rebuilding after the end of the Durant and Irving era and certainly have the picks to make a move. They do not have any of their own picks to use in a trade but they do have a lot of Suns first-round picks to trade in a deal.

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