Is Chris Paul To Thank If The Miami Heat Acquire Damian Lillard?

Golden State Warriors guard Chris Paul could be the reason Damian Lillard is traded to the Miami Heat.

On the Willard and Dibs sports radio show, ESPN writer Ramona Shelburne reported that Lillard was interested in joining the Golden State Warriors before they traded for Chris Paul.

Damian Lillard was reportedly interested in joining the Warriors before they traded for Chris Paul, per @ramonashelburne on @WillardAndDibs pic.twitter.com/vF4UaIMI8n
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) July 6, 2023

This offseason, the Phoenix Suns traded Paul to the Washington Wizards, but he was traded to the Warriors. He was sent to Golden State in exchange for Jordan Poole, Patrick Baldwin Jr., Ryan Rollins, a 2030 first-round pick, a 2027 second-round pick, and cash considerations.

These trades occurred prior to Lillard’s trade request, meaning he may have considered Golden State a top destination alongside the Heat. With the Warriors planning to contend with Paul, Lillard’s other preferred landing spot was taken off the market.

Golden State could have offered a stronger package than Miami in exchange for Lillard. If he was satisfied with going to the Warriors, Portland likely would have accepted their offer instead. Since they acquired Paul instead, that leaves the Heat as Lillard’s only top destination.

Reports have stated that Lillard only wants to play in Miami and will not report to training camp if he is sent anywhere else. With other teams likely refusing to trade for a player who will not want to be there, Lillard will inevitably end up with the Heat thanks to Paul.

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