Despite Jayson Tatum's Recruitment, Miami Heat Still Preferred Stop For Damian Lillard

The Boston Celtics have tried to make pitches to Damian Lillard but the Miami Heat's success could prove the difference.

ESPN insider Marc Spears said Celtics star Jayson Tatum has recruited Lillard in recent weeks. The Heat remain in the lead, though, because of their winning tradition the past 20 years.

“He’s kind of got that kind of like military basketball mentality," Spears said while appearing on The Oregonian's "Sports By Northwest" podcast. He wants to work. Also, the stability of the organization, the winning, like they’ve been to the Finals what, seven times since 2006? Obviously, Bam, and Jimmy helps, no state tax helps, sunshine helps."

The Heat and Celtics aren't that far off when it comes to recent success. They have met in the Eastern Conference finals three times since 2020, with the Heat winning twice. Both teams have yet to win championships with their current rosters.

Lillard going to either would almost certainly boost their title hopes. Still, Spears appears to say Miami is a better fit.

"And I think at 33 years old, he looks at the landscape of the West," Spears said. "And it’s like ‘hmmm … I think my chances are better to go out East, and if Miami is able to make the Finals without somebody like myself, what can they do with me?’ So you don’t make that move unless it’s certainly a calculated risk. And I know that Boston, I know Jayson Tatum has called him, try to get in his ear, but his focus is definitely on Miami.”

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