Multiple Teams Interested In Facilitating Three-Team Deal To Send Damian Lillard To Miami Heat

Portland Trailblazers looking to involve a third team in Damian Lillard trade to receive a better return

At least five teams are reported to be interested in helping facilitate a three-team deal sending Damian Lillard to the Miami Heat.

According to ESPN’s Marc Spears, "Damian Lillard wants to play for Miami and only Miami, I have been continually told since Saturday. Certainly, it's easier said than done. I'm told that while Portland isn't happy with potential packages, there are over five teams interested in a potential multiteam trade that could get it done."

There are over five teams interested in helping facilitate a multiteam trade that would send Damian Lillard to Miami, per @MarcJSpears

“Damian Lillard wants to play for Miami and only Miami, I have been continually told since Saturday. Certainly, it's easier said than done. I'm… pic.twitter.com/AWtMYvWReG

— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) July 5, 2023

The Heat are aware the Portland Trailblazers are not interested in guard Tyler Herro due to their already young backcourt. These five teams would have interest in Herro and could send a more enticing package to the Blazers than Miami can offer. The Brooklyn Nets and San Antonio Spurs have emerged as the two favorites to land Herro in this deal.

"It won't be today or tomorrow, or perhaps the next day, but I believe it will ultimately end up with Lillard going to Miami," Spears reported. "While Lillard does not have a no-trade clause, it doesn't make sense to trade for a future Hall of Famer who doesn't want to be there."

Portland’s satisfaction with their return for Lillard may result in a third team’s involvement, causing a delay in Miami’s acquisition. While numerous teams have shown interest in Lillard, Spears believes they will back off because of Lillard’s leverage over where he plays. Although he does not have a no-trade clause, teams will not have an interest in trading for a player who has no interest in being there.

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