[Saba Sports News] Bam Adebayo recently shared that he and his family discussed the possibility of Damian Lillard joining the Miami Heat. However, Adebayo expressed his desire for a quicker resolution to the trade saga, emphasizing the importance of clarity for players and their families. He is pleased that Lillard ultimately got the opportunity he sought to compete for a championship with his new team.
Lillard had previously mentioned Adebayo as a factor in his interest in joining the Heat. Adebayo is known for his exceptional defensive skills and has been steadily improving on offense. Last season, he averaged 20.4 points, 9.2 rebounds, and 3.2 assists, establishing himself as the Heat’s second star alongside Jimmy Butler.
While the Miami Heat were considered front-runners in the Damian Lillard trade discussions during the summer, they ultimately did not meet the Blazers’ demands. Team president Pat Riley indirectly acknowledged this, stating that the Heat were hesitant to trade away all their assets in any negotiations.
Riley has faced criticism for missing out on high-profile players who expressed interest in joining the Heat, including Lillard, Kevin Durant, and Donovan Mitchell in the past. Another All-Star, Bradley Beal, had reportedly wanted to join the Heat over the Phoenix Suns but saw Miami’s front office refrain from making a move for him.