Damian Lillard Trade Rumors: Blazers Have 'Shut Down' Calls amid Heat Buzz, Woj Says

The Miami Heat are rumored to be keeping a close eye on Damian Lillard's situation with the Portland Trail Blazers this offseason, but they reportedly won't be able to pry him away in a trade anytime soon.

During an appearance on Wednesday's episode of The Pat McAfee Show, ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski reported that while Miami "is going to be very anxious to watch what happens in Portland, to see if there's any point this summer" that Lillard becomes available, the Blazers are not open to dealing him right now.

"He's not available now. He says he wants to be in Portland, and the Blazers have shut down anybody who's called about the possibility of trying to trade for him," Wojnarowski said.

After falling short in the NBA Finals for the second time in four years, the Heat are expected to pursue some big-name players this offseason in hopes of completing their mission to win a title next year.

"They're always big-game hunting in Miami," Wojnarowski said. "Pat Riley is always looking for the next big star. They're not afraid to trade their future draft picks because they have shown they can go out without picks, or with second-round picks, and find rotation players—starting level players. It's remarkable."

Lillard's future with the Blazers has come into question after he expressed his disinterest in being a part of a rebuild in Portland because he wants to be in a position to compete for a championship at this stage in his career. The Blazers have the No. 3 pick in Thursday's NBA draft and could flip it to acquire a star player to pair with their longtime floor general, but there's a likelihood they use the pick to select a top prospect.

Lillard had named the Heat and the Brooklyn Nets as his preferred destinations if he were to be traded this offseason during an appearance on The Last Stand with Brian Custer earlier this month.

"Miami obviously. Miami is the obvious one. Bam [Adebayo] is my dog. Bam is my dog for real. But I mean I think Miami is the obvious one," he said. "Brooklyn is another obvious one because Mikal Bridges is my dog too. I mean, both have capable rosters."

It remains to be seen if a team will be able to put together an offer that the Blazers deem worthy enough to part ways with the face of the franchise.