04 July 2023 , 15:41
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The Brooklyn Nets might actually be the most likely landing spot for Damian Lillard.
The Portland Trail Blazers superstar asked to be moved away from the team last weekend while being frustrated with the direction of the franchise, and wanting to compete for a championship.
It has been widely reported that Lillard would prefer a move to the Miami Heat, with him and star player Jimmy Butler already flirting with the idea of that trade taking place.
However, Lillard could be made to be very frustrated with ESPN reporting that Portland are 'not impressed' with Miami's trade offer for him. The Heat are likely to have offered shooting guard Tyler Herro, with ESPN also reporting that they have no interest in acquiring him - which could be a huge stumbling block in any deal.
For any deal to take place between the two teams, the Trail Blazers would likely have to take on Herro, so that the contracts match for a trade to be accepted by the league.
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But while a third team could enter the deal and take on Herro's contract to see Lillard moved to Miami, it appears they are not the only team in negotiations.
The Nets are also said to have had interest in Lillard, and could acquire him by trading away Ben Simmons. The former number-one overall pick has struggled mightily in recent years, after being traded to the Nets from the Philadelphia 76ers.
But if they convince Portland to take him on, then they could be used in a deal with Miami to see Lillard join the Heat, with Brooklyn getting Herro - with several draft picks being moved around in a deal.
Damian Lillard wants a move to Miami, but has insinuated he'd happily play for BrooklynHowever, the Nets could themselves cut out the middle man, by offering the Trail Blazers Simmons and multiple draft picks to acquire Lillard - who does have interest in joining the team.
When speaking about teams he'd like to join last month, he told The Last Stand podcast: "Miami, obviously. Miami is the obvious one and Bam is my dog for real. Miami is the obvious one, Brooklyn is another obvious one because Mikal Bridges is my dog, too, and both have capable rosters."
He added: "I think I've made it clear what my wishes are. I want to have the opportunity to win in Portland, and right now we’ve got an opportunity asset-wise to build a team that can compete.
"That would be the number one thing, but if we can't do that, then obviously, like I've said for months now, then it's a separate conversation that we would have to have."