If for whatever reason, the Miami Heat are unable to complete a trade for Damian Lillard, could they turn their attention to another star to help maximize
the Miami Heat are unable to complete a trade for Damian Lillard, could they turn their attention to another star to help maximize Jimmy Butler’s championship chances?
Over the past calendar year, the Heat have worked with several big stars, including Kevin Durant, Donovan Mitchell and most recently Lillard, who requested a trade from the Portland Trail Blazers three weeks ago.
The Blazers have been reluctant to engage in trade talks with Miami, Lillard’s preferred destination, and the NBA recently sent a memo to all 30 teams regarding the rhetoric surrounding the trade request.
Lillard specifically.
The Heat remain focused on acquiring Lillard but there are too many hurdles to overcome to consider a deal inevitable.
Part of the league’s memo warned Lillard to hold out and not play games according to his contract, leaving open the possibility that he could return to Portland and play for the Blazers again.
While Lillard should and will remain the Heat’s top priority, what happens if they can’t come to a deal for the seven-time All-Star?
Here are five more stars they should pay attention to:
Like Lillard, Harden is also looking for a trade opportunity after the Philadelphia 76ers did not give him a raise this summer.
Harden is said to be interested in a trade with the LA Clippers, but the Clippers don’t have enough assets to make a deal happen.
Can the Heat reach a Harden deal?
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Although not as sharp as Lillard, Harden can still help the Heat solve their scoring problems in the first half.
Harden was an eager shooter from the get-go and might welcome being the No.
1 option again on offense after playing with reigning MVP Joel Embiid.
Harden taking the most offensive shots in Miami will allow Butler and Bam Adebayo to focus on what they do at the elite level: play defense and get their teammates involved.
Harden is a skilled ball handler who could forge an elite partnership with Adebayo.
Harden can’t be counted on to make the playoffs or commit long-term to one team, but he could still be worth a watch.
Would the 76ers accept an offer built around Kyle Lowry’s expiring contract and draft picks?
Could a third team send a high-caliber player in exchange for these picks and perhaps Tyler Herro should be in the mix?