Damian Lillard recently opened up about his failed move to the Miami Heat. The newly minted Milwaukee Bucks player had expressed his desire to join forces with Heat coach Erik Spoelstra during the offseason. Despite rumors of potential trade deals, nothing materialized.
According to Lillard, Portland Trail Blazers’ general manager, Joe Cronin, showed no inclination to facilitate the superstar’s transfer in any manner, which was a source of frustration for him. Lillard revealed that the Blazers’ management was not even in talks with Miami, so he had a feeling early on that Miami was unlikely to be his destination. Lillard’s agent, Aaron Goodwin, stated that the Heat had made significant efforts to acquire Lillard, but ultimately, a trade requires cooperation from both sides.
Lillard also disclosed that his interest in Miami was significantly fueled by his desire to play alongside Heat star Jimmy Butler. The two maintained contact throughout the summer, and their relationship remained strong, even though the trade didn’t materialize.
However, instead of joining the Heat and teaming up with Butler and Bam Adebayo, Lillard ended up forming a dynamic duo with Milwaukee’s Giannis Antetokounmpo. This move places him in the Eastern Conference, setting the stage for more frequent matchups against the Heat.
When asked about Miami’s missed opportunity to acquire Lillard, Jimmy Butler expressed his happiness for Lillard while maintaining his competitive spirit, emphasizing his determination to win an NBA title.
Lillard, a seven-time All-Star, had a remarkable season with an average of 32.2 points, 7.3 assists, and 4.8 rebounds per game in the previous season. Despite his initial interest in Miami, he now believes that Milwaukee is the best fit for him due to the team’s depth and his confidence in their chances of winning a championship, provided they stay healthy and united.
The Miami Heat won their season opener against the Detroit Pistons, while the Milwaukee Bucks are set to begin their 2023-24 campaign against the Philadelphia 76ers. Notably, the Heat defeated the Bucks in the first round of the Eastern Conference playoffs the previous year, making it an intriguing storyline to watch for potential postseason clashes between the two teams later in the season.
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