The Miami Heat were said to be one of two finalists to acquire three-time All-Star Bradley Beal from the Washington Wizards. But, being a finalist didn’t help them win the Beal sweepstakes, with the soon-to-be 30-year-old deciding only to waive his no-trade clause for the Phoenix Suns instead.
So now the Heat once again head back to the drawing board in their pursuit of a potential third star to pair next to Jimmy Butler and Bam Adebayo as Miami plans another trip to the NBA Finals, with the goal of taking home the trophy this time.
Not ending up with Beal, who didn’t cost Phoenix much, isn’t the end of the world for the Heat organization. There’s another high-profile star who may actually fit the Heat’s roster better than Beal.
According to Bleacher Report’s Chris Haynes, the Heat’s primary focus is on trading for Portland Trail Blazers superstar point guard Damian Lillard following the Beal trade.
The Heat have the 18th pick, plus two future draft picks available to trade. Should the front office decide pushing all their chips in is the best move, the Heat could emerge as the top contender to land Lillard, should he become available.
While the Blazers may be able to find better trade packages elsewhere, finding the best fit for the extremely loyal Lillard will also have to be factored in. That’s if he’s on the trade block at all, but if the Blazers aren’t sold on being able to legitimately compete for a top playoff spot next season, perhaps trading their face of the franchise is the wisest move for everyone.
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