Portland Trail Blazers guard Damian Lillard. Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports

New trade intel sees Heat pivot in chase for Damian Lillard

By Vinny Somma | Last updated 6/28/23

In what appears to be a change of heart, the Miami Heat are willing to include guard Tyler Herro in a trade offer for Portland Trail Blazers superstar Damian Lillard.

ESPN's Zach Lowe reported on the Lowe Post podcast that the package would consist of Herro, two draft picks and some "salary filler." Jamie Jaquez Jr., who Miami selected No. 18 overall in the 2023 NBA draft, and second-year big-man Nikola Jović were also mentioned as possible collateral in the deal.

Talks of Herro being expendable is a change of tune from a few weeks back when Anthony Chiang of the Miami Herald reported that Miami was unwilling to part with Herro in their attempt to acquire Bradley Beal. Team president Pat Riley emphasized the Heat's commitment to Herro during a recent media session, stating that the former Sixth Man of the Year and teammate Bam Adebayo are two "anchors" for the franchise.

The Miami Heat are trying to get the Bradley Beal trade done without including Tyler Herro, per @Anthony_Chiang pic.twitter.com/IEfFi9JoT6
— NBACentral (@TheNBACentral) June 17, 2023

According to the Miami Herald's Barry Jackson, the Heat plan to continue to wait on Lillard, viewing him as the "perfect elite-level complement to Jimmy Butler and Bam Adebayo."

Herro is nearly a decade younger than the to soon-to-be 33-year-old Lillard. A true offensive threat, the Kentucky product has averaged 20-plus points in back-to-back seasons and owns a career 38.3 shooting percentage from deep.

Still, there are levels to this.

While Herro is a quality player, Lillard is one of the NBA's elite talents, who despite his age, is coming off a career campaign where he averaged 32.2 PPG. The Heat are eager to get over the hump after losing in the NBA finals in two of the last four seasons. Lillard's the type of player that can help Miami push through the finish line.

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