From the precise moment Damian Lillard formally requested the transfer, the player also conveyed to the Blazers management his desire to join the Miami Heat. The point guard considered that the loyalty and performance offered during eleven seasons was enough to have some control in choosing a destination.
For this reason, negotiations between the Blazers and the Heat continued during the months of July and August. However, these conversations not only never came close to materializing, but grew colder and colder after each approach. Things did not start well, as the Oregon franchise requested Jimmy Butler or Bam Adebayo, according to Shams Charania, something that Pat Riley categorically refused.
For their part, the Heat were willing to offer Tyler Herro —with the idea of joining a third team—, Nikola Jovic, up to three first rounds, several swaps and second rounds, and contracts ‘expiring’ to incorporate Lillard. However, the Blazers were never interested in Miami’s proposals and each party “developed a level of conflict” that prevented any type of agreement.
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When the Blazers resumed more intense trade talks with the entire league starting on September 18, as many as five teams showed interest in Lillard: Bucks, Celtics, Raptors, Timberwolves and Bulls. The Heat were no longer among them and those from Wisconsin ended up taking the ‘jackpot’.
(Cover photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
2023-09-28 17:00:00
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