NBA Rumors: Heat lowball Blazers in Damian Lillard trade talks
The Miami Heat are the only team on Damian Lillard’s list of preferred destinations after he requested a trade from the Portland Trail Blazers earlier in the month. The Blazers plan to take the best deal available to them, but with Lillard trumpeting his desire to play for Miami to everyone that will listen, the Heat feel like the overwhelming favorites to land the disgruntled 32-year-old.
That said, it could take ages for a deal to unfold. ESPN’s Ramona Shelburne spoke to two GMs who said we could be heading for another Ben Simmons saga with Dame. He has four years and a lot of money left on his contract; what if Portland calls his bluff, takes him into training camp, and doesn’t pay him when he doesn’t show up?
Another potential reason for the slow evolution of trade talks is Miami’s patient approach. With no firm Lillard trade offers materializing around the league, according to Sports Illustrated’s Chris Mannix, the Heat are comfortable keeping their cards close to the vest.
“Miami’s made an offer but I don’t think Blazers believe it’s the best Miami can & will offer. Around the league, as far as I know there haven’t been any firm offers for Dame. So Miami, somewhat smartly, my belief is they’re making some low ball offers to Portland” @SIChrisMannix pic.twitter.com/F6zBICaurZ
— Dru (@dru_star) July 11, 2023
Basically, the Heat aren’t going to offer more than they have to for Lillard. Unless another team forces their hand — or the Blazers actually threaten to keep Lillard — the Heat simply won’t put forward their best offer.
This is how every trade negotiation plays out, but given the magnitude and complexity of this particular situation, these talks could drag out for months. The Heat are the favorites to land Dame, but don’t expect the move to be announced tomorrow.