2. Blazers finally work out a trade with the Heat
Damian Lillard wanted to be traded to the Miami Heat. He made that clear to the Blazers front office, but Joe Cronin and company refused to send him to South Beach. It turned out to be a wise move because the Bucks gave the Blazers significantly more, but his refusal to engage the Heat left Miami stunned. The Heat were in on Jrue Holiday too, but again got denied by Portland.
Could the two sides finally work out a package? The Heat want a star, but they may have to settle for someone like Malcolm Brogdon. They might decide to run it back. Their current core just won the Eastern Conference. The Heat lost Gabe Vincent and Max Strus, but no team is better at finding undervalued talent. Could they pull off this trade to supplement it?
Miami is ready to move on from Kyle Lowry, but he would be a fantastic mentor for Scoot Henderson. The Heat would have to give up a first-round pick, which damages their future odds of acquiring a star, but it is the price to upgrading, especially when acquiring the reigning Sixth Man of the Year.
If Miami is unwilling to bite on Malcolm Brogdon, there is certainly one team that is interested in Malcolm Brogdon. Consider them the early favorites in acquiring the 30-year-old guard.