The Toronto Raptors have emerged as contenders in the Damian Lillard sweepstakes over the past few days as they believe they can stay ahead of the Miami Heat and every other team in negotiations for an All-Star seven time.
But a recent report indicates that there is a growing consensus across the NBA that Lillard will eventually land in Miami.
Lillard was selected 6th overall in the 2012 NBA Draft and played 11 seasons in the NBA, all as a member of the Portland Trail Blazers franchise.
He averaged a career-high 32.
2 points per game to go along with 4.
8 rebounds and 7.
3 assists per game in 58 appearances with the Trail Blazers in the 2022-23 season (all both begin).
Additionally, Lillard shoots the ball with phenomenal accuracy from the free throw line, as he converts 91.
4% of his free throw attempts.
Those numbers were good enough for Lillard to earn a spot on the All-NBA Third Team and be named an All-Star for the seventh time in his professional career.
But Lillard’s fantastic 2022-23 season did not bring success to the Trail Blazers.
They finished the regular season with a poor 33-49 record, just ahead of the Houston Rockets and San Antonio Spurs in the Western Conference standings.
Portland finished with a 17-24 home record and a 16-25 road record.
The 6-foot-2 point guard has had limited success in the playoffs during his decade-plus with the Trail Blazers.
He reached the second round of the playoffs three times and the Western Conference Finals once in 2019.
Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson and the Golden State Warriors swept the Trail Blazers in this series.
Lillard really struggled to score the ball effectively in the 2019 Western Conference Finals, averaging 22.
3 points per game, but converting just 37.
1% of his field goal attempts in the series.
Despite Toronto’s seemingly legitimate interest in acquiring Lillard, this development suggests that it is only a matter of time before the floor general is dealt to the Heat.
Here’s hoping Lillard will be wearing a Heat uniform by the time the 2023-24 season begins in October.