Inside The Heat

Mystery Eastern Conference Team Could Prevent Miami Heat From Acquiring Damian Lillard

An unnamed Eastern Conference organization has reportedly entered the pursuit of Portland Trail Blazers guard Damian Lillard
Anthony Pasciolla|
Mystery Eastern Conference Team Could Prevent Miami Heat From Acquiring Damian Lillard
Mystery Eastern Conference Team Could Prevent Miami Heat From Acquiring Damian Lillard

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Miami HeatPortland Trail BlazersOrlando MagicNew York Knicks

Despite the Miami Heat being frontrunners to acquire superstar guard Damian Lillard, the Portland Trail Blazers have not ruled out attempting to trade him to another organization.

Lillard has emphasized playing for the Heat, but Portland continues to explore options. ESPN’s Marc Spears reported there is a darkhorse Eastern Conference team that could enter.

"I’m kind of hearing rumors about another Eastern Conference team that I’m not gonna throw out there just yet," Spears said on an appearance on NBA Today.

NBA fans are frustrated at Spears for not revealing the team, which has led to much speculation. Some believe this is a bluff on Portland’s part to force Miami into raising their package. Others have speculated the New York Knicks and Orlando Magic as potential suitors.

The Knicks could offer a superior package to the Heat because forward RJ Barrett, Evan Fournier, and multiple first-round picks trumps anything the Heat can offer. 

Orlando is also a rising team with a young core that offers similar value. The Magic are in the market for a veteran star to pair alongside former No. 1 pick Paolo Banchero.

Regardless, the Heat still remain in the driver's seat. 

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Anthony Pasciolla is a contributor to Inside The Heat. He can be reached at ampasciolla@gmail.com or follow him on Instagram @anthonypasci

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Anthony Pasciolla
ANTHONY PASCIOLLA

Anthony Pasciolla is a sports journalist who began covering the NBA in June 2023. A Philadelphia native, Anthony has experience covering the Philadelphia 76ers as a credentialed reporter. He has written for Miami Heat, Back In The Day Hoops, Kansas State Wildcats, and Illinois Fighting Illini on Sports Illustrated. His work also includes 76ers coverage for The Sporting News and previous stories for Athlon Sports and BasketballNews. When he’s not covering the NBA, you can find him spending time with friends and family or diving into the world of fantasy football. Follow him on X @AnthonyPasci or reach him via email at ampasciolla@gmail.com

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