Heat's Bam Adebayo offers thoughts on Damian Lillard trade saga

“I can’t answer them right now because I don’t know what’s about to happen,” Adebayo stated in regards to Lillard requesting a trade to the Heat. “But the biggest thing is business. Everybody wants it to make sense. Everybody on their side wants it to make sense. Obviously, other sides want it to make sense, too. So I feel like it’s just a waiting game until they reach an agreement, if or when it does happen.”

Lillard requested a trade from the Portland Trail Blazers last month, penciling in South Beach as his preferred landing spot. Yet, Portland has been stringent in its desire to yield a significant return in any deal involving Lillard, leaving trade talks with the Heat to remain stagnant. 

Despite the limited movement, Miami remains the frontrunner to pry Lillard from Portland—although a third team will almost certainly need to get involved. 

Last week The Athletic's Shams Charania reported the Heat have been working on a trade package including upwards of four first-round picks, expiring deals and one younger player with guard Tyler Herro being moved to a third team. 

Even with Lillard's pending exit, the Blazers have shown zero interest in adding Herro to a backcourt currently consisting of Anfernee Simons, Shaedon Sharpe and rookie Scoot Henderson.