The Heat aren’t giving up their pursuit of Damian Lillard. They’re taking a wait-and-see approach with the hope that Lillard will eventually request a trade, Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald reports.
Miami views Lillard as a player worth waiting for, as Jackson describes it, with no other viable options to significant upgrade the roster.
Lillard and his agent met with Trail Blazers GM Joe Cronin on Monday. Cronin issued a short statement after the meeting, saying the two sides had a “great dialogue” and that the Blazers “remain committed to building a winner around Dame.”
Portland’s front office will try to make moves to markedly improve its roster and appease Lillard. If the Blazers are unable to do so, it’s still quite possible that Lillard finally asks to be moved.
It would be helpful for the Heat if that request came before September, the deadline to use the waive-and-stretch provision on Kyle Lowry‘s contract. Lowry’s $29.7MM expiring contract could be integral in a trade with Portland.
Beyond Lillard, an All-Star talent level may be out of reach for the tax-paying Heat. However, they are intent on keeping one of their free agents. Gabe Vincent is expected to meet with Heat president Pat Riley in Southern California before free agency begins on Friday. Miami holds his Bird rights.
Vincent appears to be a bigger priority for the Heat than fellow free agent Max Strus, who’s also expected to have multiple suitors in the open market.
Danilo Gallinari, who was included in the Kristaps Porzingis trade, could be a low-cost free agent target if, as expected, he receives a buyout from the Wizards.