Damian Lillard And His Agent Could Force Their Way To Miami Heat

Portland Trail Blazers guard Damian Lillard could leverage in his trade negotiations.

Lillard and his agent, Aaron Goodwin could force their way to the Miami Heat according to Aaron Fentress of The Oregonian. Fentress discussed the situation on the Five on the Floor podcast.

"Let’s say a team stepped up... with a Durant-like package," Fentress said. "And Dame and his agent tell that team, 'Dude, we're not coming to play for you.' That'd be franchise suicide for a team to make that trade!"

Blazers Insider @AaronJFentress says Damian Lillard and his agent could force his way to Miami

“Let's say a team stepped up... with a Durant-like package, and Dame and his agent tell that team, 'Dude, we're not coming to play for you.' That'd be franchise suicide for a team to… pic.twitter.com/b33vt9UuyU
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) July 3, 2023

The Brooklyn Nets sent Kevin Durant to the Phoenix Suns at last season’s trade deadline. In return, Brooklyn received Mikal Bridges, Cam Johnson, Jae Crowder, four first-round picks, and a 2028 draft swap. The package contained better assets than the Heat are able to offer for Lillard.

If a team approached the Trailblazers with a more enticing offer than Miami, Fentress believes that would be ‘franchise suicide’. Teams such as the Nets, Utah Jazz, and Boston Celtics are reportedly interested in Lillard.

All these teams could offer a better package but are hesitant to reach out due to Lillard's ‘Miami or bust’ mindset. Lillard’s goal is to compete for a championship with the Heat now that he is leaving Portland. This may result in teams deciding to stay out of the situation.

Lillard’s contract does not contain a no-trade clause, meaning the Trailblazers could accept the best available package and begin rebuilding without worrying about accommodating him.

However, Fentress believes Lillard has power by refusing to play elsewhere, as reports have made it clear he wants to be in Miami.

Anthony Pasciolla is a contributor to Inside The Heat. He can be reached at anthonypasciolla36@gmail.com or follow him on Tik Tok @anthonysports_