Lately Lillard has been with Team USA, mostly in Los Angeles, far from the Blazers drama. (Team USA has a history of inspiring NBA stars to dream of playing together. Time on Team USA bonded Dwyane Wade, Chris Bosh, and LeBron James before they assembled on the Heat.) Last Thursday, Lillard told reporters he was prepared to do his job “every year like I always do” but stopped well short of endorsing anyone or anything about the Blazers.
Lately Lillard has been with Team USA, mostly in Los An…
June 29, 2022 | 7:11 pm EDT Update
Kyle Lowry assured that Heat won't trade him for Kyrie Irving
There’s no indication that the Heat wants to move on from 36-year-old Kyle Lowry – who is very close with Jimmy Butler – but Pat Riley has said that Lowry needs to get in better shape. The Heat has assured Lowry that it has no intention of trading him for Brooklyn’s Kyrie Irving, according to a source briefed on the situation. We’re told that Lowry wasn’t upset when Riley said publicly that his conditioning must improve.
Heat would be interested in Bradley Beal if he requests trade to Miami
Wizards All Star guard Bradley Beal declined his $36.4 million player option but has not requested a sign-and-trade to another team. The Heat would have interest in Beal if he asked to be traded to Miami. But as of Wednesday, he had not.
The Heat also could have interest in Danilo Gallinari if he receives a buyout from San Antonio after being traded from Atlanta – with three-first round picks – in exchange for Dejounte Murray.
Power forward Bobby Portis opted out of his $4.6 million player option with Miwaukee, according to ESPN. According to a source, the Heat would be a team that appeals to him if he doesn’t sign with Milwaukee, but Miami is reluctant to give him or anyone the full mid-level exception, making Portis not likely for Miami. Portis can sign for four years and as much as $49 million with Milwaukee.
Todd Whitehead: Interesting nugget from Draymond’s appearance on Old Man and the Three: he credits Warriors turnaround to an emphasis on forcing Boston’s ball handlers to drive left. pic.twitter.com/6Of0QvthQi
June 29, 2022 | 6:55 pm EDT Update
Lakers interested in Coby White?
The Lakers could also look to acquire players via trade, with rival executives believing Chicago’s Coby White could be a target. Moving Talen Horton-Tucker, a player whose ball-dominant skills are viewed by rival scouts as being redundant with the Lakers’ stars, could be a way to upgrade to suit the Lakers’ needs.
