The Miami Heat are supposed to trade for Damian Lillard. The whole NBA world knows it. At this point, we’re waiting out the clock. This is inevitable – isn’t it?
Frankly, not at all. The Heat don’t have the best package in the league to offer for Lillard. This is one of the best offensive players in the world, and he’s still producing at a prime level. Lillard is dependable – it’s a safe bet that he’ll play like a superstar next season. Meanwhile, his Portland Trail Blazers don’t have to send him anywhere if they don’t feel that they’re getting a fair return.
Should the Heat consider other options? This team obviously has a willingness to trade for a star. Lillard may be out of their price range, but if the Heat are willing to move Tyler Herro, they could still land a big fish. Could that big fish be Kawhi Leonard of the Los Angeles Clippers?
The Trade Proposal
Los Angeles Clippers Receive: G Tyler Herro, G/F Duncan Robinson, 2027 First-Round Pick (MIA), 2029 First-Round Pick (MIA)
Miami Heat Receive: F Kawhi Leonard
Looking at these two stars, it’s easy to see how much the NBA has changed in a short time. Leonard once requested a trade of his own. It did not play out the way that the Lillard saga has so far. Leonard requested his trade in a vastly different NBA.
Leonard’s preferences were known. He wanted to join the Los Angeles Clippers – eventually, he’d do exactly that. Still, he made a pit stop on the Toronto Raptors first. It’s obvious in hindsight that Leonard didn’t prefer to land there. After all, he left the Raptors even after leading them to a championship. At that time, players couldn’t influence their fate to nearly the same extent that they can now.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Kawhi Leonard, Los Angeles Clippers & Miami Heat Updates
Lillard has seemingly informed people that he’ll only join the Heat. So, other teams are afraid to acquire him. Time will tell whether Lillard and the Heat are able to force their preferred outcome. If they can’t, should the Heat pivot to Leonard?
Why The Miami Heat Do The Deal
Sure. There’s no concern about fit here. Realistically, there’s never a concern about Leonard’s fit with a roster. He’s among the most portable star players in the NBA. Miami could go small by shifting Jimmy Butler to the 4. Alternatively, they could go big and move Leonard to the 2.
That’s not a concern here. On the other hand, Leonard’s health is a major concern. With that said, that’s why the Heat are getting him on a discount here. A healthy, reliable Leonard would command a higher price than this. If the Clippers made him available, the Heat shouldn’t hesitate to pay this price.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Kawhi Leonard, Los Angeles Clippers & Miami Heat Updates
Think about. Herro was injured for the Heat’s entire Finals run this season. It’s become clear that Miami doesn’t need him. In that sense, they’re flipping Duncan Robinson and a pair of first-round picks for Kawhi Leonard. Should the Clippers give them that discount?
Why The Los Angeles Clippers Do The Deal
Leonard’s health is a major concern. Alongside Paul George, that concern becomes even more dire. Having one injury-prone star is one thing – relying on two players who frequently get hurt is significantly harder.
That’s a large part of why the Clippers would have to entertain moving one or the other. At this point, they’ve probably got comparable trade value. Leonard is the better player when healthy, but George is the smaller injury risk. Here, we’ve got them opting to move Leonard.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Kawhi Leonard, Los Angeles Clippers & Miami Heat Updates
Where does this leave the Clippers? Well, they should still be in playoff contention. Meanwhile, they’re also replenishing their barren collection of first-round picks. Throw in a young star like Herro, and they’d have to consider moving Leonard at this price – as long as the Heat will accept him instead of Lillard, that is.
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