ASK IRA: Do Blazers even know what they actually want from Heat (or anyone) for Damian Lillard?
Q: Ira, I’m calling b.s. Joe Cronin deserves a poop emoji after that press conference. He’s trading Damian Lillard . . . and he’s trading him to the Heat. So what’s the deal? – Arnie.
A: I’m not sure if you’re asking what’s the deal with that press conference with the Trail Blazers general manager here Monday at summer league, or if you’re asking about the parameters of a possible Heat trade for Damian Lillard. So I’ll work in reverse. I would think the parameters would be something along the lines of two of the three of Tyler Herrro, Duncan Robinson and Kyle Lowry, with those players factoring into balancing the deal under the salary cap. So consider that Portland’s option from Column A. From Column B, I believe Portland would have the option of one or two of Caleb Martin, Nikola Jovic and Jaime Jaquez Jr. Then there would be a selection from Column C, which would be a pool of up to three future Heat first-round picks. So it could come down to how much Portland wants from each column and how much the Heat are willing to yield. And, so, we wait, as the gamesmanship plays out. As far as what’s the deal with Joe Cronin’s press conference, it sort of was like trying to put lipstick on a pig. The Blazers are in a tough spot, so the media session was an attempt to put the best face on an ugly situation for Portland.
Q: If Portland is going to draft their feet for months, at what point do the Heat mend fences with Tyler Herro? – Danny, Hollywood.
A: First, the Blazers are not going to drag their feet for months, because the last thing they need/want is a Damian Lillard media conference at the start of a training camp at a time when they are attempting to unveil Scoot Henderson as their next big thing. As for Tyler Herro, this is the NBA, so everyone just puts on their big-boy pants and gets back to work. Tyler Herro doesn’t have to love Pat Riley or Andy Elisburg; he just has to do what is required of him from Erik Spoelstra and be there for his teammates.
Q: Man, Monday was ugly at summer league. – Seth.
A: Disagree. Summer league is not about victories. It is about learning and developing. Jamal Cain showed something special with his play. Orlando Robinson pushed through adversity. And Drew Peterson showed flashes of quality shooting. And perhaps most importantly from a fan perspective, the Heat kept it interesting until the final shot.