Report: Bradley Beal not the Heat's top trade target

The Miami Heat are in trade discussions with the Washington Wizards to potentially land Bradley Beal. However, if the Heat had their way, the organization would instead strike a deal for a different All-Star guard. 

NBA insider Marc Stein reported on his Substack over the weekend that if Miami "had the choice," they would opt to acquire Portland Trail Blazers star Damian Lillard over Beal. As of now, the Heat don't appear to have this option. 

Lillard has yet to request a trade out of Portland, while the Wizards organization is actively working with Beal on trade scenarios in which he might possibly waive his no-trade clause. Of course, that's not to say Lillard's services won't be up for grabs in the near future. Dame D.O.L.L.A's status in Portland may very well hinge on how the front office opts to utilize the No. 3 pick in the upcoming NBA Draft. If Portland opts not to trade that selection for a win-now player, it could force Lillard's hand. 

Lillard has openly spoken about the allure of Miami as a destination. The 32-year-old recently picked the Heat as the most intriguing landing spot among a list of theoretical suitors curated by Brian Custer on The Last Stand podcast.