The Heat aren’t giving up their pursuit of Damian Lillard. They’re taking a wait-and-see approach with the hope that Lillard will eventually request a trade, Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald reports.
Miami views Lillard as a player worth waiting for, as Jackson describes it, with no other viable paths to significantly upgrade the roster in the short term.
Lillard and his agent met with Trail Blazers general manager Joe Cronin on Monday. Cronin issued a short statement after the meeting, saying the two sides had a “great dialogue” and that the Blazers “remain committed to building a winner around Dame.”
Portland’s front office will try to make moves to markedly improve its roster and appease Lillard. If the Blazers are unable to do so, it’s still quite possible that Lillard finally asks to be moved.
It would be helpful for the Heat if that request came before August 31, the deadline to use the waive-and-stretch provision on Kyle Lowry‘s contract. Lowry’s $29.7MM expiring contract could be integral in a trade with Portland.
Beyond Lillard, an All-Star talent level may be out of reach for the tax-paying Heat. However, they are intent on keeping at least one of their key free agents. Gabe Vincent is expected to meet with Heat president Pat Riley in Southern California before free agency begins on Friday, according to Jackson. Miami holds his Bird rights.
Vincent appears to be a bigger priority for the Heat than fellow free agent Max Strus, who’s also expected to have multiple suitors in the open market.
A league source tells Jackson that Danilo Gallinari, who was included in the Kristaps Porzingis trade, could be a low-cost free agent target if, as expected, he receives a buyout from the Wizards.
And I am willing to wait for Scarlett Johansson. Doesn’t mean it’ll do much for me to do so.
Don’t sell yourself short. You have as good a chance as any of us.
Plenty of women who are just as attractive without the narcissistic celebrity personality.
Something tells me Miami has a better chance at landing Dame though.
I used to wait on her, however, my attention has been fully focused on Ana De Armas.
Wish you all the luck.
Of course they are willing to wait, they have no other optiond
Beal deal set the market are they willing to take a bad contract and a couple of 2nd rounders for Lillard? Because they won’t get much more.
Beal and Lillard are not the same. Miami isn’t waiting with all their hope to acquire a bad contract. Just stop.
Miami Heat should wait on Damian Lillard. I honestly think staying with the Portland Trail Blazers might be the best move for him. They have some really good talent over there. They just need to get rid of Jusuf Nurkic because he can’t guard the rim or the pick and roll. They need to try and get Clint Capela and bring back Jerami Grant.
Miami Heat going after Danilo Gallinari will be a very smart move. He’s a great shooter with size. He will be a great veteran to have around their first round pick Jaime Jaquez Jr.
Miami Heat can also wait and be patient because they just made the NBA Finals and didn’t play with Tyler Herro or Victor Oladipo. Both of them will be back healthy this upcoming season. So even if they lose Max Strus in free agency they have enough depth to replace him. Gabe Vincent might be the one they bring back because the Point Guard position is more of a necessity for them.
Damian Lillard will be patient with the Portland Trail Blazers so the Miami Heat also have to be patient with him.
Honestly if I’m the Portland Trail Blazers if I do trade Damian Lillard I will send him to the Brooklyn Nets. They have way more assets to offer than the Miami Heat.
The Heat will be waiting until the cows come home. Lillard is not going anywhere. Pat Riley is being a FOOL.
Lowry, Herro, Dipo, 27 and 29 1st, 26 and 29 2nd for Dame and Nurkic.
S&T Grant if you get a decent offer.
Like your idea of getting Nurk in there, sell as Dames friend, Bam can go to the 4 ect
Good thing too is Mia has the feasible salary to easily make it all work w Nurk included
I think Mia would like to get Duncan involved as well. I wouldn’t mind Por trying to rehab him under a rebuild umbrella – Portland’s gotta try to get Jaime Jaquez Jr. in there as well so at least they get a current timeline piece
Cronin v Riley tho, thats scary to think about
Duncan was one of the bright spots in the playoffs – creating off the dribble and much improved defensive intensity. Multiple teams drafted players who hope to someday be as effective as him.
Nurk is also very limited and should be an Andre Drummondesque bench player at this point in his career – talented yes, versatile no. I’d think Dame would want a fresh start.
That’s actually a very bad deal for Blazers. Lowry gonna be 38, Dipo is a traveling hospital, and even though Herro is good Blazers don’t need more backcourt. 1st round picks are very late ones. Doubt Cronin will take this.
Dipo would be an ambulance then, because the root of the word for ambulance actually translates to “traveling hospital”
i also agree with everything you just said
Seems like a mistake…
They’re waiting on Dame’s Time
link to pbs.twimg.com
Lowry would be great for Scoot and Sharpe, Hero and Martin if you’re including N’Urckle.