Damian Lillard is wanted by the Miami Heat, with the future of the Portland Trail Blazers point guard the subject of much speculation about whether he may finally leave. the franchise this offseason.
Lillard has been at the Trail Blazers his entire NBA career, selected sixth overall in the 2012 NBA Draft. The 32-year-old remains committed to "winning" with the Trail Blazers and isn't looking to leave, but did tease that Miami would be his destination if he did.
Trail Blazers fans adore Lillard, who has been outstanding for the franchise ever since arriving in Portland 11 years ago. But the franchise hasn't made the playoffs in the last two seasons, and could look to rebuild and use Lillard to their advantage in the trade market.
Lillard is also running out of time to win an NBA championship, and it doesn't look like the Trail Blazers will be in contention anytime soon. Regardless, Lillard is committed to the Trail Blazers for now, although the Heat did make the NBA finals this season fit the bill as a franchise tempt the point guard.
"I think I've made it clear what my wishes are," Lillard told The Last Stand podcast. "I want to have the opportunity to win in Portland, and right now we’ve got an opportunity asset-wise to build a team that can compete.
"That would be the number one thing. But if we can't do that, then obviously, like I've said for months now, then it's a separate conversation that we would have to have."
Lillard signed a four-year $176,265,152 contract with the Trail Blazers in 2021, with the contract being fully guaranteed. He also agreed to a two-year extension through the 2026-27 season, seeing him earn a total of $59 million in 2025-26, then nearly $63 million the next year - according to the NBA.
It's a hefty price if a team were to trade for Lillard, but he's already admitted that he'd be interested in the Heat if the right cards were dealt. "Miami, obviously," Lillard laughed when being asked about potential trade destinations. "Miami is the obvious one and Bam is my dog for real. Miami is the obvious one."
The Heat were in negotiations to trade for Bradley Beal, with Kyle Lowry and Duncan Robinson both rumoured to be heading to the Washington Wizards if a deal was completed. However, according to ESPN the Heat were concerned about how taking on Beal's huge contract could limit their ability to fill the roster with talent.
Therefore a deal for Lillard remains unlikely, unless they make an exception for the talented point guard. Beal is only 29, but has struggled with injuries over the past two seasons.
As well as reports of a possible Lillard exit, speculation also suggests the Trail Blazers may look to big in a superstar of their own, to give Lillard the overdue help he requires to 'win in Portland.' New Orleans' Brandon Ingram and Zion Williamson are the latest names to be linked with the Blazers prepared to offer one of their two first round draft picks to get a deal done.
