The Miami Heat are reportedly very close to finalizing a trade for superstar guard Damian Lillard, however, they are in need of one final key piece the Portland Trail Blazers are looking for.
With all of the top players in NBA free agency having agreed to contracts for next season, the biggest stories left this offseason have to do with the trade market. Toronto Raptors All-Star Pascal Siakam is one of the most sought-after players on the market. Philadelphia 76ers star James Harden very much wants out, and Damian Lillard has officially requested an exit from the Portland Trail Blazers as well.
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While there seems to be a variety of potential suitors for Siakam and Harden, all indications are that Lillard only has one team on his wish list and could even sit out of training camp later this year if he isn’t sent there. And that organization Lillard hopes to play for is the Miami Heat.
However, recent reports have suggested that Portland hasn’t been thrilled with the return options the Heat have offered thus far, and even a third or fourth team may need to be added to a potential Damian Lillard trade.
Miami Heat one more first-round pick away from completing Damian Lillard trade
On a new edition of the Oregonian’s “Blazer Focused” podcast, Trail Blazers beat writer Aaron J. Fentress revealed that the Miami Heat are very close to getting a deal done, but are in need of one final piece to complete the trade.
“If the Blazers can come out of this with four first-round picks, at least one or two young talents, and then salary-filler, that should get it done. I’m told that right now, Miami has three firsts, Tyler Herro, filler, and maybe a young player already. The question is finding that fourth first-round pick. And if you don’t want Herro, you just have to find someone to take Herro and give you another first-round pick. Then you’re at four firsts and at least one young player and salary filler, maybe even two young players. I’m told it’s pretty close, they just have to figure out.”
– Aaron J. Fentress
Lillard and his representation have been doing all they can through the media to scare off other interested teams so that the Miami Heat remains the only feasible option for the Portland Trail Blazers. That approach may end up working for the Trail Blazers legend.