Miami Heat Shift Focus to Damian Lillard After Bradley Beal Deal Falls Through

In a blockbuster move, Bradley Beal was traded to the Phoenix Suns in exchange for Chris Paul, Landry Shamet, and multiple second-round picks and pick swaps. With Beal no longer available, the Heat have set their sights on Portland’s Damian Lillard as their primary target.

According to Chris Haynes of Bleacher Report Miami has a “genuine belief” that Damian Lillard could be seeking a change. With the Blazers likely looking to begin a rebuild they would want a package of younger players and draft capital.

The Miami Heat could entice Portland with a package including Tyler Herro, Duncan Robinson, Kyle Lowry, and multiple first-round picks in their pursuit of Damian Lillard. The Trailblazers could request for star center Bam Adebayo to be included in this deal leaving Miami with a tough decision. However, with general manager Pat Riley, there should be no issues finding the right package for both sides.

The Miami Heat are the ideal destination for Damian Lillard boasting a winning culture, a championship-caliber roster, and an exceptional head coach. Over the past twelve seasons, the Heat have reached the NBA Finals 6 times, 2 of which were in the past 4 years.

The trade for Lillard is currently hindered by two main factors. Firstly, is the Trailblazers willingness to begin a rebuild and stop trying to build a championship-level roster around him. Secondly is his eagerness to leave Portland as he has spent his whole career there and become the face of the franchise for the Trailblazers. As stars begin moving teams now is Miami’s time to land a big-time player.