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The most repetitive news we heard all summer surrounding the NBA is when will Portland Trail Blazers star guard Damian Lillard get traded? He has expressed his desire to get traded back in early July due to wanting to be able to have a legitimate shot to compete for a championship, which is something he lacks in his resume.
The team that Lillard has persistently, and defiantly stated he wants to be traded to is the NBA Finals runner-up Miami Heat, to join fellow All-Stars Jimmy Butler and Bam Adebayo.
The Heat are coming off a surprising Finals run as an 8th seed that no one expected to reach the Finals by beating teams such as the Milwaukee Bucks, New York Knicks, and Boston Celtics.
The Heat’s lack of offensive production from their guards did get exposed in the Finals against the Denver Nuggets with their tandem of the reigning Finals MVP Nikola Jokic and the scoring microwave Jamal Murray.
The Heat were without former Sixth Man of the Year though in Tyler Herro who accounts for over 20 points per game, which is a big loss to make up for offensively. Butler was banged up from all the abuse he took from earlier series against the Knicks and Celtics, and Adebayo is not a true No.1 offensive option for a title contender as he’s more of a No.3 scoring option for a title team.
So where does Lillard fit with the Heat?
Abbie Parr/Getty Images
Over the last few seasons, the Heat have lacked a true superstar guard who’s a true threat as a primary scoring option who can take major pressure off Butler as a scorer and closer at the end of games.
Plugging in Lillard gives the Heat a guy who has averaged 25.2 points per game for his career, including a career-high 32.2 last season on a remarkable efficiency of 46% from the field and 37% from three, which is amazing considering the array of shots he takes.
Lillard also has the nickname “Dame Time” as he has proven to come up big in pressure moments time and time again as one of the greatest clutch performers in league history. Just check this clutch shooting report by Inpredictable:
Here you see Lillard has a clutch effectiveness of 48.5%, higher than the league average. I mean he is the franchise's all-time leading scorer with shots like this:
Him and Adebayo would form a dangerous pick-and-roll combo as Adebayo is one of the more athletic bigs and better finishers in the league with his strong frame as defenders will now have nightmares choosing whether to stop a Adebayo dunk or one of Lillard’s bombs from three, as he is one of the best three-point shooters and shot creators of all time.
Lillard can also switch off from primary to secondary with Butler since Butler can play on and off the ball. Lillard is not the strongest defender but with Butler, Adebayo and the Heat culture with the way they emphasize defense will more than make up for his shortcomings on that end.
Lillard is one of the most expensive players in the league, coming into the 2023-24 season at $45.6 million owed to him (7th highest in the league) according to AZ Central
Overall, there his been much rumors and buzz since Lillard requested his trade back on July 2nd, and many rumors that it could’ve got done sooner.
But, he’s still currently a Blazer with Media Day and the season right around the corner in what would make for an awkward situation for the organization and the franchise star.
If things go to plan Lillard can get traded prior to the start of the regular season. The Heat will do everything possible with their assets to get a dynamic scoring microwave and unwavering performer in the clutch to join their team to help push them over that hump to win a title.
The question we’re all asking is when?... It’s only a matter of time.
Where will Lillard get traded?
Miami Heat
Philadelphia 76ers
Boston Celtics
Other