NBA – “Damian Lillard? The Heat were quite ready to recruit…
NBA stars Damian Lillard (left) and Jimmy Butler (right)NBA (DR)
As soon as he decided to leave Portland, Damian Lillard made it clear to the rest of the NBA that he only wanted to commit to the Heat for the rest of his career. Several months later, we finally know why the leaders of Miami remained unmoved in the face of these advances.
The Miami Heat were willing to give up more assets for Jrue Holiday than for Damian Lillard, per @EthanJSkolnick
“Jrue's contract is friendlier. He plays defense, which the Heat value; and the Heat don't believe that Dame does.”
(Via https://t.co/BBRyn3SwNL) pic.twitter.com/SJfl4Smg91
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) December 3, 2023
When Damian Lillard was sent to Milwaukee, many fans thought that the Bucks would conquer the Eastern Conference with disconcerting ease… But the reality on the ground is always different from that on paper and in reality, it takes time to adapt to the leader and his new teammates, especially since they discover a new coach.
Moreover, if the results are not yet spectacular, they are far from disappointing since this reshuffled group currently has a record of 14 victories for 6 defeats, which is good for a place on the podium in the East. The leaders should not necessarily regret their investment, unlike those of the Heat.
Well, they got neither. So, clearly their offers sucked 😂😂
— Aidan LaPorta (@AidanLaPorta69) December 3, 2023
The Heat wanted Jrue Holiday more than Lillard
Damian Lillard indeed wanted to settle down in Florida, but Pat Riley never made a sufficient offer to convince the leaders of Portland. Thanks to journalist Ethan Skolnick, who spoke on Discord in a show specially dedicated to the Heat, we now know why. Miami actually dreamed of another leader.
The Heat were more ready to recruit Jrue Holiday than Damian Lillard according to Ethan Skolnick: “Jrue’s contract is more flexible. He also knows how to defend, which is something the Heat appreciate, and the leaders didn’t think Dame was capable of it.
Frustrated with his team, Jimmy Butler recently said that the Heat were mediocre and that it was the worst situation… The story might have been different with a leader like Damian Lillard on the court. If everything is not thrown away in Miami, thanks in particular to the explosion of Jaime Vasquez Jr., the group could be right in the race for the title. For Internet users, the management is open to criticism on this one.
They got neither. Their offers sucked
When a player like Damian Lillard hits on you, you usually fall for it and do everything to get him signed to your franchise. But in Miami, we were especially waiting for Jrue Holiday and his more flexible contract for the future. In the end, they got no one.
