Miami Heat Center Nikola Jovic Might Be The Best Candidate For A Damian Lillard Trade
While everyone waits for Portland Trail Blazers guard Damian Lillard to be traded, pundits started coming up with various trade scenarios.
In a recent episode of FS1’s First Things First, NBA insider Chris Broussard believes Miami Heat forward Nikola Jovic could be the best player to throw into a trade for the seven-time All-Star.
“I'm also turning the corner on the Miami offer,” Broussard said. “Jovic is 6'10”. [The Blazers] need some size and skill. And it's not just the name. He can ball.”
If a deal involving Lillard and Jovic takes place, both sides can benefit. Last season the Heat ranked 27th in 3-point shooting at 34 percent. Lillard, one of the best 3-point shooters, would help them improve as he shoots 37 percent for his career. Adding him also improves the Heat’s chemistry. He already formed a relationship with center Bam Adebayo which can be useful during games, considering both prefer running pick-and-roll plays.
The Trail Blazers could use Jovic, as well. Not only is he still young, he displays promising talent. Though he’s a forward, he can run point guard duties since he has great ball-handling skills and has the ability to create plays for his teammates. Listed at 6 '10”, he adds size to a team who’s tallest player is center Jusuf Nurkic.
However, Jovic might refuse the trade. On Aug. 10, an interview went viral of Jovic expressing interest in remaining with the Heat.
"It's basketball," Jovic said. "Of course I'd love to be in Miami. Those guys are great and they helped me a lot. What happens, happens. I hope I stay there. That's all."
With Pat Riley at the helm, it could be interesting to see what trade takes place.
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Cory Nelson is a contributor to Inside The Heat. He attended Northern Virginia Community College. He can be reached at corymckenzienelson@hotmail.com or follow him on Twitter @CKenzyNelson. You can also check out his personal blog HERE.
