The future of Damian Lillard continues to be a hot topic around the NBA, with many anticipating the eventual completion of a blockbuster deal to send the Trail Blazers star to the Heat. And, while the expected deal has yet to occur, rumblings around the team indicate that could soon change, according to Aaron J. Fentress of The Oregonian.
Appearing on the latest episode of The Oregonian's “Blazer Focused” podcast, Fentress reported that Portland and Miami are “pretty close” on the framework of a trade to send Lillard to South Beach as negotiations continue.
After labeling his report as “informed analysis” based on conversations he’s had with sources, Fentress noted that the draft compensation remains the biggest hang up for both sides. Per Fentress, Miami has three of the minimum four first-round picks the Blazers want in a Lillard deal, with Heat guard Tyler Herro among the young players that could be flipped for another first-round pick after a trade.
“If [the Blazers] can come out of this with four first-round picks, at least one, if not two young talents, and then salary filler, that should get it done,” Fentress said Wednesday. “I’m told that right now, Miami has three firsts, Herro, filler and maybe a young player already, like willing to go with that. So, the question is finding that fourth [first-round pick].
“And if you don’t want Herro, you just have to find someone to take Herro and give you another first-round pick. Then you’re at four firsts and, then, at least one young player and salary filler, and maybe two young players. So, I’m told it’s pretty close, they just have to work it out.”
While the report may be enough to excite NBA fans, Fentress’s remarks, interestingly, came amid new reports suggesting the Blazers and Heat are exactly close to an agreement.
Also on Wednesday, The Athletic’s Sam Amick reported the “slow pace” of talks has made things challenging for Miami this offseason. Ira Winderman of the Sun Sentinel later reported Thursday the Heat are in a “holding pattern” until Lillard is either on their team or no longer available.
Needless to say, with a resolution still outstanding, the discourse surrounding Lillard will rage on as Portland and Miami remain engaged in talks on the heels of the seven-time All-Star’s July 1 trade request.
