Possible Rewrite: Trade Speculation Surrounding Damian Lillard Involves Tyler Herro and Additional Draft Picks

Miami Heat offers Tyler Herro and picks for Damian Lillard.

The Miami Heat have reportedly made a trade offer to acquire Portland Trail Blazers superstar guard Damian Lillard, according to ESPN's Zach Lowe. The proposed package would involve shooting guard Tyler Herro, along with a pair of Miami draft picks and some "salary filler." Additionally, Lowe mentioned the possibility of including either ex-UCLA guard Jamie Jaquez Jr. or second-year pro Nikola Jović in the deal.

Lillard's future with the Blazers, where he has spent his entire 11-year career, is now uncertain. Despite having two years remaining on his contract, there has been much speculation and rumors surrounding a potential departure, particularly in connection with the Miami Heat. The Athletic's Sam Amick reported that Lillard "has serious interest in joining" the Heat, and he has also met with team officials to discuss the team's direction, as reported by Chris Haynes of Bleacher Report.

While Lillard has given the Blazers more time to improve their roster, the Heat remain highly interested in acquiring him, according to the Miami Herald's Barry Jackson. The Heat view Lillard as a player worth waiting for and are willing to be patient as he makes his decision. They are also looking to re-sign impending free agent Gabe Vincent, regardless of whether they land Lillard or not.

However, it seems that the Blazers still hold the upper hand in retaining Lillard for the 2023-24 season. ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski reported on NBA Today that there is no indication that teams around the league are altering their free agency plans or trade deals in anticipation of Lillard becoming available. While Miami is closely monitoring the situation, most teams expect Lillard to remain in Portland.

Lillard, who will turn 33 in July, is coming off a career-high season, averaging 32.2 points per game for the Blazers. He has been recognized as one of the league's top players, earning a spot on the NBA's 75th Anniversary Team and receiving seven All-Star Game selections.

Share With Others