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The Miami Heat have unsuccessfully tried to trade for Damian Lillard.
The Portland Trail Blazers are playing hardball, and it doesn’t seem like they’re going to change their stance about sending him there.
Nonetheless, that may not be the end of the world for Pat Riley and company.
According to a report by NBA insider Rohan Nadkarni’s latest appearance on The Crossover, the word around the league is that the Heat are waiting to see how Joel Embiid’s situation with the Philadelphia 76ers unfolds (via Dru_Star).
“I’ve been in Miami this summer, talking to some people. Something I’ve heard lately, I don’t know how legit this is…I think there are some people here that are maybe waiting to see what’s going on with Joel Embiid. I think that that’s a small factor in play here” @RohanNadkarni pic.twitter.com/i0wcjN9gq7
— Dru (@dru_star) September 1, 2023
Some fear that James Harden’s desire to leave the Sixers could spiral and lead Embiid to do the same.
Embiid even fueled those rumors by stating that he’s desperate to win an NBA championship, whether that happens in Philadelphia or somewhere else.
And while he later backpedaled and claimed he was just joking around, it wouldn’t be shocking to see that kind of thing happen in today’s NBA.
The Heat have failed to convince the Blazers to take a package centered on Tyler Herro, Jaime Jaquez Jr., Nikola Jovic, and multiple draft picks.
But if the Sixers lose Embiid and Harden, it’s safe to say that Daryl Morey will look to recoup as many young players as possible.
Of course, that might not happen any time soon — if at all — so the Heat will likely hit training camp with this current roster.
The post NBA Reporter Suggests The Heat Are ‘Waiting’ For Another Superstar To Ask Out appeared first on The Cold Wire.