Kevin Love Discusses The Impact Damian Lillard Could Have For The Miami Heat

Damian Lillard has been at the forefront of trade rumors all offseason, with the Miami Heat expected to acquire him prior to next season

The name circling the Miami Heat all offseason is Portland Trail Blazers superstar guard Damian Lillard.

A player the caliber of Lillard would boost Miami among title favorites entering next year. Heat forward Kevin Love recently spoke on the significance of Lillard's addition.

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"I mean, there's been times where he has been the best point guard in the league, and there's certain nights where he looks like the best player in the NBA," Love said. "So anytime you have a superstar of his caliber, he can change the trajectory of your season, and I think with that comes expectation, but the expectations are there for a reason."

His high praise for Lillard is commendable, regardless of the circumstances surrounding a possible unite in Miami. Love discussed the importance of expectations with such a talented roster, comparing the Heat to the 2014 Cleveland Cavaliers.

"It's not unlike when in 2014 Kyrie [Irving] was already in Cleveland," Love said. "But then LeBron leaves Miami and goes to Cleveland, and I get traded that summer, and then there's that expectation and players of that caliber all playing together."

Despite the losses of key contributors Gabe Vincent and Max Strus, Love reiterated his confidence in the Heat’s current roster.

"I think it's a lot of expectations, a lot of excitement, but I think either way we’re in a very good landing spot," Love said.

His statement concluded by praising Lillard for his work ethic and approach to the game, similar to Heat superstar Jimmy Butler.

"Dame is one of the guys I've always looked at and admired, especially we talked about Jimmy with Dame's approach to the game and how hard he works," Love said. "I think it's aspirational and admirable how he approaches every single day because he just continues to work and has continuously found a way to get the best out of himself and keep that chip on his shoulder throughout his career."

Anthony Pasciolla is a contributor to Inside The Heat. He can be reached at ampasciolla@gmail.com or follow him on Instagram @anthonypasci