A Year After Signing a $120,000,000 Contract, Jimmy Butler?s Heat Star Rumored to Be Traded for Damian Lillard

Jun 28, 2023 | 12:00 PM EDT

A Year After Signing a $120,000,000 Contract, Jimmy Butler?s Heat Star Rumored to Be Traded for Damian Lillard

Jun 28, 2023 | 12:00 PM EDT

Portland Trail Blazers star Damian Lillard is the name on everyone’s lips as the NBA approaches free agency. Reports around the world suggest the 7-times NBA All-Star might finally leave the franchise after 11 years of his association. Although Lillard is the flag bearer of loyalty over the past years, it seems this might finally be the year we see Dame Dolla on a different team.

One frontrunner to land Lillard’s signature is the Miami Heat. The Jimmy Butler-led side is ready to sacrifice one of their highest earners on the team, according to the latest sources.

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Damian Lillard to the Miami Heat will need some hefty sacrifices

Lillard might finally leave the Portland Trail Blazers after multiple seasons of heartbreaks. Despite his best efforts, the lack of a superstar pairing might finally push Lillard out of the team.

The Miami Heat are genuine title contenders next season after failing to win the NBA finals against the Denver Nuggets in 2023 if they land the Trail Blazers star. Lillard might be the answer to some of their underlying problems.

The Heat would likely have to part ways with Tyler Herro if they trade for Damian Lillard, per Sports Illustrated pic.twitter.com/jXXoaqMsOx
— Heat Nation (@HeatNationCom) June 27, 2023

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However, they might have to offer Tyler Herro to the Trail Blazers, along with some other draft picks. NBA insider Zach Lowe revealed this on his podcast, according to Bleacher Report. Lowe said, “The package would consist of Herro, a pair of Miami draft picks, and some “salary filler.”

Interestingly, this comes roughly one year after Herro signed an expensive 4-year, $120,000,000 contract with the Heat. The Heat rewarded Herro with the massive contract just weeks after Herro won the NBA Sixth Man of the Year for 2022.

The Trail Blazers Might Still Retain Lillard

With all the Heat rumors flying around social media platforms, Lillard staying with the Portland Trail Blazers is still not ruled out. One of the major factors which might keep the 2013 Rookie of the Year is pairing him with a superstar.

Draymond Green of the Golden State Warriors is a very realistic option, who was spotted with Lillard. It is more than likely that the four-time NBA champion will leave the Warriors during this free agency. Trail Blazers seems to be his next destination. Moreover, re-signing Jerami Grant might also persuade Lillard to stay.

WATCH THIS STORY: Damian Lillard drops a time-bomb about his NBA future

What are your thoughts on the Damian Lillard situation? Let us know in the comments below.

Written by

Abhinava Ghosh

1,823 Articles

Abhinava Ghosh is an NBA writer at EssentiallySports with a wealth of experience covering the league. He has written over 1400 articles for EssentiallySports, showcasing his expertise in analyzing and reporting on NBA trade rumors, injury updates, and the ever-changing dynamics of the league. He had successfully covered the entire Kevin Durant trade saga at Brooklyn, which led to the basketball legend’s move to the Desert. He also kept our readers updated on the Brittney Griner situation throughout her exile in Russia. One of Abhinava's proudest moments came in 2015 when the Golden State Warriors won the NBA title after 40 years. As a lifelong fan of the Dubs, Abhinava was thrilled to see his team reach the pinnacle of the sport, but he remained objective and professional in his reporting.

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Edited by

Saumya Khanduja