The anticipation around Damian Lillard's future is driving NBA fans crazy, as everyone just wants to see if this will finally be the offseason he moves on from the Portland Trail Blazers. The team selected multiple players in the first round of the 2023 NBA Draft instead of making win-now trades that would have appeased Lillard. Now they have a promising young core around an aging superstar, so it seems we're reaching a natural splitting point between the ambitions of the player and the team.

The Miami Heat have been the rumored destination for Lillard with the team coming off an NBA Finals loss. Lillard may be the piece that puts them over the top and allows Lillard to 'grind' by going to a team that isn't considered a title favorite for next season. The move won't be easy to execute, but there is a piece in a Lillard to Miami trade that can convince the Lakers to throw some assets and get a player that helps their team look dangerous in the West next season. 

In a possible three-team trade including the Lakers, Blazers, and the Heat, all parties can get a step further towards their goal while moving a lot of talent across the league.

Trade Details

Portland Trail Blazers Receive: Jaime Jaquez Jr, Nikola Jovic, Malik Beasley, Mo Bamba, Victor Oladipo, 2024 First-Round Pick (MIA), 2028 First-Round Pick (MIA), 2024 Second-Round Pick (LAC)

Los Angeles Lakers Receive: Tyler Herro

Miami Heat Receive: Damian Lillard