Blazers preparing 'compelling package' for Heat All-Star
According to Yahoo Sports Jake Fischer, the Portland Trail Blazers are preparing a significant trade offer for Miami Heat center Bam Adebayo. The veteran big man is known as a defensive specialist, having been named to the NBA All-Defensive second team on four occasions.
"Portland is preparing what the team believes to be a compelling package for Miami to part with All-Defensive centerpiece Bam Adebayo," Fischer wrote.
For Portland, acquiring Adebayo will show Damian Lillard they're serious about building a contender around him. In recent weeks, the All-Star guard has discussed how his future will hinge on what Portland does leading up to the draft.
"I think I've made it clear what my wishes are," Lillard said during a June 6 appearance on "The Last Stand." "I wanna have an opportunity to win on Portland. And right now, we have 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, obviously, like I've said for months now, then it's a separate conversation we would have to have."
Unfortunately, it's difficult to see why the Heat would be willing to part with such a significant part of their core. Erik Spoelstra's team is fresh off a run to the NBA Finals, and Adebayo made his second All-Star appearance during the season. As such, there is little reason to believe the Heat would be looking to make significant changes this summer, especially to their core.
Granted, Portland can dangle their third overall draft pick as a key part of any trade package. Unless Miami can move on from Kyle Lowry and Duncan Robinson, it's doubtful a top-three pick would move the needle. As such, the Trail Blazers will likely have to look elsewhere to appease their star point guard.
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