It’s been nearly 13 years since LeBron James’s famous statement that he would be taking his “talents to South Beach.” Now, another top-tier NBA superstar could wind up following suit, as Trail Blazers point guard Damian Lillard appears to have a close eye on the Heat.
Amid looming questions about the Blazers’ approach to free agency after opting not to trade the No. 3 pick in the 2023 NBA draft, the league is in wait-and-see mode on what Lillard will do. Unless Portland adds talent that can help push them into title contention via free agency, it’s very possible the seven-time NBA All-Star could request a trade.
As The Athletic’s Sam Amick brought to light Monday, if the Blazers’ roster upgrades “that are proving to be difficult to pull off don’t come to fruition,” attention may shift to the Heat.
“Lillard indeed has serious interest in joining the Heat, who would surely love to pair him with Jimmy Butler and Bam Adebayo,” Amick wrote. “If it reaches this point—and there’s still an ‘if’ here considering all the times Lillard chose not to ask out before—Lillard’s wishes would matter a great deal because of the enormity of his contract.”
This potential outcome could create a match made in heaven, as Bleacher Report’s Chris Haynes reported that Miami had its ”focus” on Lillard with a “genuine belief” that he could seek a change of scenery this offseason.
While a number of things would need to pan out for Lillard to wind up with the Heat, the mutual reported interest from the two sides creates at least some advantage for Pat Riley and Co. There are still a number of steps before fans can begin dreaming of a Heat trio featuring Lillard, Jimmy Butler and Bam Adebayo, but this report seems to put the idea in play.
