Getty Image / Alika Jenner
Since they were eliminated from the NBA Finals by the Denver Nuggets, the Miami Heat have had their sights set on one move to try and give themselves another shot at a title next season.
Over the last few weeks, the Miami Heat have been looking to get a deal done for Damian Lillard.
Last week, Lillard officially requested a trade after the Blazers were unable to bring in any reinforcements to try and become a contender.
Since then, it has seemed like just a matter of time until Lillard joins the Heat. The Heat were even reportedly preparing a trade package that seemed pretty enticing.
Unfortunately, the package doesn’t line up with what the Blazers are looking to get as they trade away their long-time star, leaving the two sides to find a 3rd team to facilitate a deal.
At first, it seemed the Brooklyn Nets would be the team to join the trade, but now it seems there are plenty of other options.
According to ESPN’s Marc Spears, there are more than 5 teams interested in being the 3rd wheel of a trade that sends Lillard to Miami.
There are over five teams interested in helping facilitate a multiteam trade that would send Damian Lillard to Miami, per @MarcJSpears
“Damian Lillard wants to play for Miami and only Miami, I have been continually told since Saturday. Certainly, it's easier said than done. I'm… pic.twitter.com/AWtMYvWReG
— NBACentral (@TheNBACentral) July 5, 2023
Based on the reports about what that third team would be getting, this isn’t much of a surprise.
The return on being the 3rd team in this deal could be Tyler Herro.
Herro is only 23 years old and has averaged 20 points per game each of the last two seasons. A player like that doesn’t become available often.
At this point, it seems there isn’t any doubt about where Damian Lillard will be playing next season. All fans have to do is wait and see which team can put together the right package of picks to become the 3rd team in the deal.