(Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
The Miami Heat continue to try and find ways to get Damian Lillard.
However, the Portland Trail Blazers are reportedly still reluctant to engage in trade talks, at least with them.
The Heat have reportedly made an offer centered around Tyler Herro, including multiple young players, picks, and pick swaps, yet the Blazers don’t seem to be interested in the Kentucky guard.
With the clock ticking and training camp right around the corner, the Heat might be forced to pivot and face the upcoming campaign without Lillard.
With that in mind, Heat beat writer Barry Jackson reports that Erik Spoelstra could lean towards starting Herro or even Josh Richardson at point guard, all while Kyle Lowry comes off the bench (via NBA Wire).
According to @flasportsbuzz, a person familiar with the team’s thinking said he won’t be surprised if the Heat opts for Tyler Herro or even Josh Richardson as a starting primary ball handler if it’s unable to acquire Lillard before the season opener. #NBA #Heat #HEATCUlture pic.twitter.com/5XpCQtrfVm
— NBAWire (@officialNBAwire) September 15, 2023
Lowry hasn’t been the same All-Star caliber player he was in Toronto since he arrived in South Florida, and he’s not getting any younger.
With Gabe Vincent gone to the Los Angeles Lakers, it makes sense to have the former Toronto Raptors star leading the way for the second unit.
As for Richardson and Herro, neither of them are natural playmakers, but they both can run the offense slightly decently.
Also, this would likely mean Jimmy Butler would take care of some additional ball-handling duties, which he’s done in the playoffs multiple times.
The Heat need to get better at the point guard position, and chances are they’ll have to look somewhere else if a deal for Lillard doesn’t go through.
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