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3 reasons the Blazers should trade Damian Lillard to the Heat and 2 reasons they shouldn’t

By Jakob Ashlin

Nov 7, 2022; Miami, Florida, USA;Portland Trail Blazers guard Damian Lillard (0) dribbles the ball against the Miami Heat during the first quarter at FTX Arena. Mandatory Credit: Rich Storry-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 7, 2022; Miami, Florida, USA;Portland Trail Blazers guard Damian Lillard (0) dribbles the ball against the Miami Heat during the first quarter at FTX Arena. Mandatory Credit: Rich Storry-USA TODAY Sports /
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Miami Heat president Pat Riley sits in the arena prior to the game between the Miami Heat and the Memphis Grizzlies at FTX Arena. (Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports) /

Reasons the Blazers shouldn’t trade Damian Lillard to the Heat: 2. An underwhelming return

How valuable are the Miami picks? Since 2008, their first-round pick has landed in the top 10 only once (when they selected Justise Winslow with the 10th overall pick in the 2015 NBA Draft). During that span, they have produced the third-best record in the NBA (704-491).

Over the years, the Heat have managed to find many undrafted role players, including Udonis Haslem, Tyler Johnson, Duncan Robinson, Max Strus, and Gabe Vincent.

Furthermore, Miami remains one of the biggest free-agent destinations in the league, as they have an established history of landing All-Stars (Lowry, Jimmy Butler, LeBron James, Chris Bosh).

The Heat have been a consistent contender without major draft capital. Why should we expect that to change? If the Heat follow their established pattern, the Blazers will have traded Lillard for a package of mid-to-late first-round picks. That would be a very disappointing outcome.

Given all the factors, the Blazers would be wise to hold off on trading Lillard to the Heat.

Next. NBA Rumors: 3 teams that should trade for Joel Embiid. dark

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