ESPN's Tim Legler Says Damian Lillard Should Pursue A Championship With Miami Heat

After Damian Lillard decided, he is going to ‘wait around’ and see what the Portland Trailblazers do in free agency ESPN’s Tim Legler weighed in on what he thinks is best for Lillard.

On First Take this morning, Legler said, “If Damian Lillard really wants to add to his legacy as a player you want to see him play on the biggest stage and that’s not going to be in Portland in the foreseeable future so therefore, I look at a team like Miami.”

The Heat have a championship-caliber roster without Lillard, making the Finals two times in the last four years. It makes them the perfect destination if he decides he wants to chase a championship.

Portland has expressed continual interest in building around Lillard but are unwilling to part ways with their young players, including No. 3 pick Scoot Henderson.

“If you put Damian Lillard with those two players [Jimmy Butler and Bam Adebayo], you get a chance to play for the guy [Erik Spoelstra] that I think is the best coach in the NBA, ...you have a much better chance to be an NBA champion," Legler said. “Its got to come down to Lillard wanting it first and I think the organization would acquiesce to him.”

Lillard now must decide between staying loyal to Portland in hopes they build a strong roster around him or going after a championship in Miami. The Heat have all the assets to offer a package for Lillard along with a contending roster and high-caliber front office.

Anthony Pasciolla is a contributor to Inside The Heat. He can be reached at anthonypasciolla36@gmail.com