NBA rumors: Apparently, the Portland Trail Blazers are still holding out hope on the Damian Lillard front. They don’t expect the 10-time All-Star to have a sudden change of heart and decide to stay in Portland — although obviously, they would welcome him back with open arms — but as it turns out, the Blazers are waiting to receive a better offer than what the Miami Heat have on the table. It looks like they’re going to get their wish in the near future.
NBA Rumors: Heat Willing to Break the Bank for Damian Lillard
NBA guru Shams Charania of The Athletic has dropped a significant update on the Dame Lillard trade saga. According to the renowned insider, the Heat are now preparing an improved offer — one that could be too good to turn down for Portland:
“I’m told the Heat have been preparing a trade package around three to four first-round draft picks, potential draft swaps, as well as second-round picks, a young player potentially,” Shams said.
On @TheRally, the latest surrounding Damian Lillard and the potential offer the Miami Heat have been preparing with 3-to-4 first-round picks: pic.twitter.com/GjyaYOOEbF
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) July 31, 2023
Shams also showed in a graphic that apart from the assets he mentioned, the trade package also involves Tyler Herro being sent to a third team (the Blazers don’t seem to want him) as well as expiring contracts.
Damian Lillard came out with a come-get-me-plea for the Heat, and it is clear that Miami is taking this very seriously.
NBA Rumors: Damian Lillard Trade Could Change Landscape of League
If this blockbuster trade deal pushes through, then it will only increase the value of superstars around the NBA. For their part, the Milwaukee Bucks have to be keeping a watchful eye on this situation.
Giannis Antetokounmpo is going to be eligible for an extension in September, and rumor has it that opposing teams are monitoring whatever developments will transpire from here on out. If Giannis rejects an extension offer from the Bucks, then it’s very much possible that opposing teams could test Milwaukee’s resolve, and perhaps more significantly, Antetokounmpo’s loyalty to his current team.
Whatever trade package the Blazers end up accepting for Lillard could ultimately determine Giannis’ market value in the unlikely scenario that the Bucks are forced to trade him. Would Antetokounmpo ever demand a trade away from Milwaukee? It sounds unlikely. However, we have seen crazier things in the NBA.
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