NBA Trade Rumors: 3 Ways Heat can keep Tyler Herro out of Lillard package

Trade offer No. 1: Heat take back Jusuf Nurkic

In this first possible hypothetical deal, the Miami Heat (who would try to keep Tyler Herro out of the package) would have to be willing to take on a bit more money than just Damian Lillard’s contract. Quite frankly, there’s no guarantee that they would want to do so. But if they are, it could help the two sides agree to a deal. Miami would take on Lillard and Jusuf Nurkic (who has three years, $54-plus million) as a favor for the Blazers. No matter what you think about Nurkic and his value, there’s no question that, because of his contract, it does more bad than good for the Blazers as they pivot toward a rebuild.

In exchange, the Heat would send Kyle Lowry, Duncan Robinson, Caleb Martin, Nikola Jovic, Jaime Jaques Jr. a 2027 first-round pick, a 2029 first-round pick, and two picks swaps. Miami could also try to negotiate on the side with OKC to unlock their 2024 first-round pick, but maybe they wouldn’t have to send all three if they include two pick swaps.

Portland would get three quality players and essentially have control of Miami’s draft picks for four years. Even though this is a solid deal, there’s no guarantee that the Blazers would view this as enough of a package to accept. But it’s absolutely something Miami should consider.