Superstar Damian Lillard Shows Interest In Being Traded To Miami Heat

Damian Lillard says the Miami Heat is an obvious trade destination

Damian Lillard and the Portland Trail Blazers will be one of the hottest topics this offseason.

In April, it was reported Lillard would rather win now than rebuild. The Trail Blazers missed the playoffs for a second straight year and the trade rumors involving Lillard are heating up.

On a recent episode of Brian Custer’s The Last Stand podcast, Lillard revealed the Miami Heat is a team he’d be interested in via trade because of his friendship with Bam Adebayo. 

“I think Miami is the obvious one," Lillard said. "And Bam is my dog. Bam is my dog, for real. But I think Miami is the obvious one."

Lillard and Adebayo formed a connection in 2020 when they played for Team USA in Tokyo. Since then, he’s been connected to the Heat.

In an interview during the 2020 Olympics, Adebayo talked about his experience playing with Lillard, giving fans a visual of what could be.

“Getting to talk to him and getting that chemistry with is Dame, just because I play center, he plays point guard,” Adebayo said. “So it’s kind of we’ve got to build a connection in the pick and roll. But just being in his ear and seeing how he thinks that game.”

The combination of Lillard and Adebayo could work for the Heat. Adebayo has proven to be a great pick-and-roll player and Lillard could use it to his advantage.

If the Heat became interested in Lillard, Duncan Robinson could be a great player to give up. With his recent production in the playoffs, his trade value could increase. The Heat would also have to trade draft picks with him.

The trade is unlikely to happen but Pat Riley always pulls out surprises.

Cory Nelson is a contributor to Inside The Heat. He attended Northern Virginia Community College. He can be reached at corymckenzienelson@hotmail.com or follow him on Twitter @CKenzyNelson. You can also check out his personal blog HERE.