Kyle Kuzma Says Miami Heat Need Another Scorer, Prompting One Former NBA Player To Suggest Damian Lillard

The Miami Heat’s blowout loss to the Atlanta Hawks shocked many in the NBA world, leaving many Heat fans calling for change to the roster.

Now, others are suggesting moves as well.

Washington Wizards forward Kyle Kuzma tweeted Tuesday night, “the Heat need a bucket getter.” While Kuzma appeared to volunteer himself for the role, former NBA journeyman Brandon Jennings said Damian Lillard could fulfill that role.

Dame
— Brandon Jennings (@Tuff__Crowd) April 12, 2023

In theory, this trade rumor sounds good to Heat fans. They would acquire a primary scorer beside Jimmy Butler, who preferred to impact the game as an all-around player. Pairing the two would perhaps elevate their status as a contender.

Lillard averaged 32.2 points this season, including a 70-point performance against the Houston Rockets and a league-leading 15 games with at least 40 points. His ability would help Miami’s league-worst scoring offense.

However, it is very unlikely that this actually comes to fruition.

Miami would have to trade a haul to get Lillard, possibly including Tyler Herro or Bam Adebayo in that deal. They don’t own any draft capital this year, so they would have to hope Portland desires trade value for the future.

Another issue is the Heat’s need to address their frontcourt this offseason. Even for his offensive additions, Lillard may not be able to fix Miami’s rebounding, which was 29th in the league this season. Theoretically, Miami would want a bigger body alongside Adebayo who can also consistently score. Kevin Love has been decent but his age and inability to contribute offensively may force the Heat to look for another forward or a bigger center.

Lillard is a long shot, but the Heat’s long offseason ahead will most likely keep his name tethered to the team in trade rumors.

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Jayden Armant is a contributor to Inside the Heat. He is a student at Howard University. He can be reached at jayden.armant@bison.howard.edu or follow him on Twitter @jaydenarmant.