Heat in ‘Holding Pattern’ As Damian Lillard Trade Wait Continues, per Report

Miami is reportedly making sure it can make the blockbuster trade if the opportunity arises.

While the Trail Blazers continue to test the market for possible trade partners for Damian Lillard, the Heat are in a “holding pattern” in regard to their two empty roster spots, according to Ira Winderman of the Sun Sentinel. They plan to keep those spots open in an effort to stay flexible for a possible trade. 

With a Lillard trade likely sending out multiple Heat players, the two open roster spots could turn into three or more, per the report. Without adding Lillard, the Heat are positioned to only add players at the NBA minimum. Even then, Miami very could opt for non-guaranteed deals to maintain flexibility going forward. There are 13 players under standard contract for the Heat at this time. 

According to an ESPN report from Adrian Wojnarowski last week, Lillard’s agent told rival teams (not named the Heat) that trading for him would mean acquiring an unhappy player and that he only wants to play for Miami. The star point guard doesn’t have a no-trade clause, though, so he’ll be dealt to wherever Portland decides and there is no rush.

Trail Blazers general manager Joe Cronin told reporters Monday that, “If it takes months, it takes months,” when discussing a trade timeline.