Portland Trail Blazers star Damian Lillard has made it clear he only wants to be traded to the Miami Heat this summer. In order for that to happen, Miami needs to meet the asking price Portland is reportedly setting in a trade.
The Trail Blazers are entertaining offers from around the league, operating against Lillard’s wishes. Sportsnaut’s Mark Medina reported Thursday that Lillard won’t report to any team except Miami, using it as leverage to try and dictate where he is moved.
- Damian Lillard stats (2022-’23): 32.2 PPG, 7.3 APG, 4.8 RPG 46.3% FG, .205 WS/48
While Portland has engaged in trade talks with Miami, the Heat’s proposals thus far have been deemed insufficient. While Miami remains hopeful it can acquire Lillard and doesn’t feel inclined to overpay, with Lillard eliminating his own suitors, Portland’s asking price remains a sticking point in negotiations.
According to Aaron Fentress of the Oregonian, the Trail Blazers want a return “in the neighborhood” of four first-round picks and two quality young players in exchange for Lillard. There’s also a growing belief that any trade will need to involve a third team.
- Damian Lillard contract: $45.64 million salary (2023-’24), $48.787 million salary (2024-’25), $58.545 million salary (2025-’26), $63.2 million player option (2026)
Lillard and the Heat are still trying to push Portland’s asking price down, using the threat of Miami being the only NBA team Lillard is now willing to play for. It’s severely impacted the Blazers’ ability to negotiate with other clubs.
Miami can build its trade package around first-round picks in 2028 and 2030, with Nikola Jovic and Jaime Jaquez Jr. serving as the young pieces heading back to Portland. However, that return is viewed as extremely insufficient for Lillard from Portland’s perspective and a deal between the two sides isn’t imminent.
While the Heat remain the overwhelming favorites to acquire Lillard, it’s evident Miami will need to significantly improve its offer and Portland must lower its asking price for a deal to be reached.