The biggest story in the NBA offseason remains Damian Lillard’s future and where he will be playing basketball in the 2023–24 season and beyond.
By now, we all know that he would like to join Jimmy Butler and the Heat but that move could take a long time to come together, if it happens at all.
While many believe the Heat would become the favorites in the Eastern Conference if they add Lillard, there is one Hall of Famer who thinks they would be worse off if they trade for the Trail Blazers star.
Former Celtics great Paul Pierce said on Rachel Nichols’s Showtime show that he thinks the Heat would struggle to make the playoffs with Lillard and if they did get to the postseason they would lose in the first round:
Paul Pierce on Damian Lillard potentially joining the Heat: "They won't make it out of the first round."
— Rachel Nichols (@Rachel__Nichols) July 13, 2023
Me and Tracy McGrady: 👀
Let's just say a lively discussion ensued ⬇️ pic.twitter.com/oM7gESwZsD
NBA fans crushed Pierce for that take:
This guys is delusional 🤦🏻♂️. At first I thought he was just a Heat Hater, now I see he’s flat out crazy! https://t.co/iYXNgpqAus
— Aramis Montenegro III (@Silent_Aramis) July 14, 2023
I like how Rachel Nichols and Tmac tried to talk sense into him and he still wanted to die on his hill. Paul Pierce doesn’t deserve a platform lol. https://t.co/vACPEFmR8P
— based takes (@masonasc) July 13, 2023
Paul Pierce needs to go to rehab. Not even for substance abuse, just for how his mind works. https://t.co/Qye6QuUSOz
— Haaaan Solo. (@TGCBinx) July 14, 2023
Paul Pierce is not a serious person https://t.co/wT8yznW4Ai
— Rich(ie) 🚩🏴 🌹 (@superichie) July 14, 2023
Is there a more worthless opinion? https://t.co/sAIYZR0ZUL
— Jonathan Zaslow (@ZaslowShow) July 13, 2023
In 2023 why are we still letting Paul Pierce anywhere near a microphone?? https://t.co/cXaIfhwQzU
— Waymon Tinsdale III (@X_TheAmbitious1) July 14, 2023