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A 4-team blockbuster trade involving the Miami Heat and Damian Lillard

By Simon Smith

DENVER, CO - JANUARY 22: Damian Lillard #0 of the Portland Trail Blazers looks on during the game against the Denver Nuggets on January 22, 2018 at the Pepsi Center in Denver, Colorado. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Garrett Ellwood/NBAE via Getty Images)
DENVER, CO - JANUARY 22: Damian Lillard #0 of the Portland Trail Blazers looks on during the game against the Denver Nuggets on January 22, 2018 at the Pepsi Center in Denver, Colorado. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Garrett Ellwood/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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(Photo by Issac Baldizon/NBAE via Getty Images)
(Photo by Issac Baldizon/NBAE via Getty Images) /

Breaking down the deal

Consisting of seven players over four teams, the deal appears as follows:

Miami Heat

Ultimately, this lands the Heat a legitimate All-Star the franchise can build around for the coming years. Granted, the loss of exciting young talent such as Bam Adebayo and Justise Winslow, in addition to a future first round selection, means this deal represents somewhat of a risk to the Heat front office.

However, at just 27 years old, Lillard still has the scope to further improve his game, with a change of scenery possibly providing the tonic to enable his prime years to extend further than in his current environment.

New starting lineup:

Portland Trail Blazers

First up, the addition of Dennis Schroder provides the Blazers with an exceptional talent at the point for multiple seasons to come. Having posted terrific numbers on a woeful team last season, the Blazers will welcome the opportunity for Schroder to perform alongside an increased level of talent.

Furthermore, the addition of Adebayo can pave the way for the Blazers to let free agent Jusuf Nurkic walk in order to invest their time and money elsewhere. In just his first season in the league, Adebayo demonstrated the type of athleticism that will fit perfectly in the modern-day NBA.

Additionally, in Winslow, the Blazers are receiving a player capable of defending multiple positions, both on the perimeter and down low. Furthermore, Winslow’s 3-point shooting clip improving last season from 20.0 to 38.0 percent is a huge sign of confidence moving forward.

New starting lineup:

  • G – Dennis Schroder
  • G – C.J. McCollum
  • F – Justise Winslow
  • F – Al-Farouq Aminu
  • C – Bam Adebayo

Atlanta Hawks

With the arrival of Trae Young, the Hawks have quickly found him a backcourt partner in the form of Evan Fournier. With new general manager Travis Schlenk seemingly placing an emphasis on outside shooting, Fournier’s proficiency from the perimeter should provide the Hawks with a terrific 1-2 punch at the guard slots.

Also arriving for the Hawks is second-year center Zach Collins. Far from having a recognized center on the roster, Collins’ combination of athleticism and long range shooting should provide him with every opportunity to develop his game and receive consistent playing time. At the mere cost of Schroder, who is fully expendable with Young’s arrival and was open to being traded anyway, this is a solid return.

New starting lineup:

Orlando Magic

In Goran Dragic, the Magic are receiving a newly named All-Star with an abundance of experience to lead from the front for a young and extremely promising Magic squad. While his age profile doesn’t match the remainder of the roster, the tutelage and locker room experience Dragic will bring with him to the Magic makes this deal all the more worthwhile.

After missing out on Trae Young in the 2018 NBA Draft, landing an experienced floor general like Dragic to run the show is more than worth shipping out Evan Fournier.

New starting lineup: (assuming Aaron Gordon re-signs):

  • G – Goran Dragic
  • G – Jonathon Simmons
  • F – Jonathan Isaac
  • F – Aaron Gordon
  • C – Mohamed Bamba

This mega deal, which works out financially on the ESPN Trade Machine, represents a positive move for each team involved.

Next: Complete 2018 NBA Draft grades for all 30 teams

Specifically for the Heat, the addition of Lillard not only raises the playoff hopes of the team, but greatly assists the hopes of landing future stars should they be interested in signing in South Beach.

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