Damian Lillard Rumors: Heat Prepared to 'Wait Patiently' for Potential Blazers Trade

The Miami Heat have "decided to wait patiently" on Portland Trail Blazers star Damian Lillard with his future still uncertain, according to the Miami Herald's Barry Jackson.

"The Heat plans to continue to wait on Lillard, not only because he would be the perfect elite-level complement to Jimmy Butler and Bam Adebayo, but because there's no realistic available alternative that would significantly upgrade the roster," Jackson wrote.

When the Blazers used the No. 3 overall selection to select NBA G League guard Scoot Henderson rather than using the pick to acquire a proven veteran, many wondered whether it was the moment that would spark Lillard to request a trade.

Instead, the situation remains unchanged.

General manager Joe Cronin said the team had a "great dialogue with Lillard and his agent Monday and that Portland is "committed to building a winner around Dame."

ESPN's Brian Windhorst provided some added context Tuesday on Get Up. He said Lillard "absolutely did not" request a trade and that the goal of the meeting wasn't about exerting pressure on the front office to act.

Per Windhorst, the seven-time All-Star will "give the Blazers every opportunity to work through this free agency process this week, whether it's through trades or signing players."

Lillard's deliberate approach might have a domino effect across the league because some suitors may not be willing to wait around forever as free agency unfolds. They could make the kind of contract commitments that theoretically take them out of the race.

In Miami's case, though, the roster is pretty much set. The Heat have $173.1 million on the books for 2023-24, giving them little money to pursue outside additions. Jackson also reported they prefer to re-sign Gabe Vincent independent of their pursuit of Lillard.

When a franchise is this committed to landing a major star, failing to complete the deal typically carries major consequences.

Acquiring Lillard will obviously raise Miami's ceiling and put the team closer to winning a title. However, it won't be the end of the world if the Heat are left to run it back with the core of last year's squad.