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Pundit Thinks Former UCLA Star is Final Piece to Damian Lillard Trade

Will they part ways with him?

Noel Sanchez

Pundit Thinks Former UCLA Star is Final Piece to Damian Lillard Trade
Pundit Thinks Former UCLA Star is Final Piece to Damian Lillard Trade /
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The NBA is a whole different ballgame compared to the collegiate level and when it comes to priorities of a franchise, they have many on their hands. The Miami Heat are in the middle of one of the biggest markets in the country and their organization has built the reputation of bringing in some of the hardest-working players and helping them blossom into stars.

They are coming off of an excellent 2022-2023 season that saw them fight through injuries. trade rumors and numerous doubters to make a run to the NBA Finals. Nikola Jokic and the Denver Nuggets ultimately were too much for them but Miami is now trying to revamp their roster and come back even better.

Luckily, they had the number 18 pick in the 2023 NBA Draft and UCLA star Jaime Jaquez was selected by the Heat. He was one of the more polished guards in his class seeing that he had four collegiate seasons under his belt and it's been projected that he could be an instant contributor.

However, everybody knows that superstar Damian Lillard is itching to be traded to Miami and insider Tim Reynolds believes that Jaquez would have to be included in the deal.

“Jaime Jaquez is eligible to be traded Aug.1st. I have to wonder if that’s part of the holdup. When more assets become available for trade. I think it’s gonna happen before we all leave for the Philippines [for the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023 beginning Aug.25]” 

@ByTimReynolds

 (Via Saturday Sports World With Marc Stein)

Lillard is one of the best point guards in the league and you can't shame Miami for getting the deal done if it's right there. We know that no matter where Jaquez ends up, he will fight for his minutes!

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Noel Sanchez
NOEL SANCHEZ

Noel is currently in his third year at California Polytechnic University of Pomona and is pursuing a B.A. in Communications with an emphasis in Multi-Media Journalism. He has always had a deep passion for sports and writing.