What did Miami Heat center Bam Adebayo have to say about the Blazers’ Damian Lillard and the possible trade?
With the focus completely on the Blazers star, there’s perspective to be found in the player who’s been named as a potential piece in the puzzle.
The Miami Heat’s star was an integral part of the team’s run to the NBA Finals this past season. With that in mind, it makes perfect sense that he might be considered in the proposed package that would see the Blazers’ Damian Lillard head south. Of course, there are some blanks to be filled.
Bam Adebayo discusses Damian Lillard’s trade situation
By now you probably know that Miami Heat center Bam Adebayo has been named in tandem with a proposed deal that would see the Portland Trail Blazer’s Damian Lillard join the Heat. On the other hand, what you might not know is that Adebayo isn’t being spoken of as part of the deal, but rather as one of the reasons why Lillard would like to join the Heat in the first place. According to various accounts, the pair actually have a very close relationship stemming from their time playing together for Team USA. Indeed, Adebayo himself confirmed that he and Lillard are close during a recent media session.
The 26-year-old disclosed that he and Lillard “continue to be close friends,” before touching on the trade talks that are set to occur between the Heat and the Blazers, saying that “both sides want it to make sense.” Speaking with the media, Adebayo stated “I don’t know what’s about to happen. The biggest thing is, man, it’s business. ...Everybody wants it to make sense, everybody on their side - obviously on the other side wants it to make sense, too. I feel like it’s just a waiting game until they make an agreement, if or when it does happen” To be clear, there has been no further update where Lillard’s potential move to Miami is concerned, but what we can assume is that the Heat remain the favorites to secure his services.
So what happens now with Damian Lillard?
Truth be told, that’s anyone’s guess. It’s been almost a month since Lillard requested a trade and as mentioned before, there’s been no further movement. While we’ve seen reports of what a package might look like if the Heat were to finally make the move, nothing’s been set in stone. At this point, it’s the Blazers who hold all the cards. Consider for a moment that Lillard has another three years remaining on his contract, as well as a player option. Further to that, he has a no-trade clause. What that means, is that there is the possibility that the Blazers simply send him where ever they like, not just Miami.
On the other hand, we’re talking about arguably the franchise’s best player ever i.e., it’s hard to imagine that the Blazers wouldn’t try to meet in the middle with a guy who has given them so much over the last decade. Of course, we’ve also got to factor in the Heat, who may not even be capable of offering what the Blazers want. If that proves to be the case, then who knows how this ends. Ultimately, things are just starting to heat up so keep an eye on this one because the league certainly will be as well.