The Miami Heat may have missed on trading for Bradley Beal, but they've reportedly already set their sights on a far greater prize. According to Bleacher Report's Chris Haynes, Miami is focused on the possibility of acquiring Portland Trail Blazers All-Star Damian Lillard, and has a genuine belief that this could finally be the summer in which he seeks a deal.
Lillard has been the subject of trade rumors for several years now. He's affirmed his loyalty to Portland at every turn, even stating that he expects to start next season with the Blazers. However, he also named the Heat and Nets as two teams he'd be interested in playing for if he's not in Portland, and his future there could hinge on what happens over the next week or so.
The Blazers currently hold the No. 3 overall pick in the NBA Draft. A number of teams reportedly want to trade up to that pick in the hopes of landing Scoot Henderson, with the New Orleans Pelicans seemingly at the top of that list. The Blazers would reportedly like to use that pick to add a star teammate for Lillard. However, the list of players they have been linked to so far this offseason is shrinking by the day. For now, it does not look like Boston plans to trade Jaylen Brown. The same seems true of Mikal Bridges in Brooklyn. If the Pelicans move up to No. 2 instead of No. 3, or if the Hornets simply decide to take Henderson, there may not be a trade available for Portland.