The Miami Heat will almost certainly have to hear about Damian Lillard again, whether they like it or not.
Some say that the former Portland Trail Blazers great was fortunate to be moved to the Milwaukee Bucks rather than his desired destination, the Miami Heat. In a recent interview with TMZ Sports, Matt Barnes stated that the guard may have a greater chance of winning a ring with his present squad than with Miami.
“I’m really excited for Notre Dame,” Barnes remarked. “Clearly, he wanted to go to Miami.” That didn’t happen, but having the opportunity to win is the key and the goal, and teaming up with Giannis [Antetokounmpo] will undoubtedly offer him a fantastic chance to win a championship.”
“I believe he will have a better opportunity than he would have had in Miami.”
Some Heat supporters may take issue with the retired forward’s statement considering Miami just upset Milwaukee in the first round before advancing to the NBA Finals, where it lost to the Denver Nuggets.
The Heat were perhaps just one or two pieces away from bringing home the trophy for the first time since the LeBron James era. Lillard could have been the final piece of the puzzle, as his brilliance with the ball would have probably been what the doctor ordered for the offensively challenged Heat.
But as it turned out, the Blazers reportedly wanted nothing to do with Miami in trades talks for Lillard. Portland sent him to the Bucks, where the seven-time All-Star will get a fresh start alongside a different star.
Barnes seems to think Milwaukee’s duo of Lillard and Antetokounmpo will be a good recipe for success. After all, the two-time MVP was already able to deliver a championship to the Bucks in 2021.
Defense may be a concern for the team now that Jrue Holiday is gone, but the offensive upgrade could prove to be more impactful than the expected regression on the other end of the court. It’s also worth noting that Milwaukee still has several quality defenders.
It remains to be seen which of the two teams will win a title first. But Jimmy Butler, who had the Bucks’ number last season, believes his squad has enough to make some noise in the title race.
The confidence from the six-time All-Star should help Heat fans get over the missed opportunity of trading for Lillard.
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