As Damian Lillard negotiates his exit from the Trail Blazers, his agent is reportedly telling rival teams (not named the Heat) that trading for him would mean acquiring an unhappy player.
Lillard prefers to land in Miami, and it’s clear that his agent is doing everything in his power to ensure that happens.
Adrian Wojnarowski published a story on ESPN+ Thursday morning detailing the current state of Lillard trade talks across the league, making it clear that Miami remains the preferred destination for the 33-year-old star point guard.
“As [Blazers GM Joe] Cronin explores the broader landscape, Lillard’s agent, Aaron Goodwin, has been calling prospective trade partners and warning against trading for his client, team executives told ESPN. Goodwin is telling organizations outside of Miami that trading for Lillard is trading for an unhappy player. As interference goes, this is a time-honored agent maneuver to depress offers and clear a path to a predetermined destination,” Wojnarowski wrote.
Lillard requested a trade from Portland last week, and the process has been slowed by Cronin and the Blazers, who are undoubtedly looking for a strong return for the best player in franchise history. It’s clear that Miami cannot offer the best package of assets in a trade for Lillard, so in order for the point guard to land with the Heat, a third team would likely need to be involved in order for the Trail Blazers to land the package they’re hoping for in exchange for Lillard.
Miami can offer two first-round picks in 2028 and ’30, five years’ worth of pick swaps, as well as the rights to a handful of young players, including ’22 first round pick Nikola Jovic and ’23 first round pick Jaime Jaquez Jr. The Heat can also offer young sharpshooter Tyler Herro in a trade package, but Portland has reportedly made it clear that the franchise has no interest in Herro.
As trade talks continue, it’s clear that Lillard and his representatives still prefer Miami, but whether or not he ultimately lands there will depend on the satisfaction of the package of assets that the Trail Blazers receive in any prospective deal. It’s clear that Portland will be patient as the front office tries to get this major trade right.
