The trade saga surrounding Trail Blazers’ star Damian Lillard continues with little progress made in negotiations. The 33-year-old superstar, who has expressed his desire to be traded to the Heat, has yet to see his wish fulfilled.
NBA insider Shams Charania provided an update on The Rally, revealing that talks between the Blazers and the Heat have been stagnant. He stated, “It’s been stagnant as far as the process there. It’s really up to the Blazers and the Heat. The Heat are the team that Damian Lillard wants to go to. What I’m told Portland has told Miami is this: Make your best offer to us. The sides have spoken recently, but nothing significant has come to it.” However, despite recent discussions, no significant breakthrough has occurred.
Charania outlined a potential trade package from Miami to Portland, including expiring contracts, young player Nikola Jovic, three-to-four first-round picks, and the involvement of a third team to facilitate the deal. Such a package could provide considerable value to the rebuilding Blazers.
“When you look at potential packages from Miami to Portland, you look at expiring contracts probs a young player like Nikola Jovic, three-to-four first-round picks where Tyler Herro would be going to a third team, that third team would send two or three first-round picks to Miami and they would add their two first-round picks as well. potential second-rounders, swaps as well,” he continued.
Yet, Portland has yet to actively engage with Miami and seek their best offers. With Lillard’s lucrative contract and the potential assets involved, the Blazers have a chance to secure a strong return for their star player.
“So for someone with Damian Lillard’s contract – four years, over $120 million left on his deal – for a rebuilding team like Portland that’s a really sound get when you think about all those first-round picks, other assets you can get, potentially a young player as well,” Charania said. “That’s sound value but so far Portland has not elected to really engage with Miami and try to solicit best offers.”
