The NBA world can finally stop wondering where superstar Damian Lillard will play next season. Putting an end to the trade saga, the Portland Trail Blazers finalized a three-team deal involving Lillard with the Phoenix Suns and the Milwaukee Bucks. Despite Dame?s request to be traded to the Miami Heat to join forces with Jimmy Butler, the Trail Blazers front office traded the superstar to Milwaukee to play alongside 2-time MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo.

This blockbuster trade has left the Miami Heat fans in disbelief as they missed their chance to acquire one of the best players in the NBA. When all the stars were aligned for Lillard to join Jimmy Butler and Co. in South Beach, it was the Miami Heat President Pat Riley?s poor decision-making that led to the 7-time All-Star slipping away from their grasp.

Pat Riley?s poor decision making

When Damian Lillard requested a trade back in July, he had only one destination in mind, the Miami Heat. Several analysts and fans speculated how Pat Riley could make the trade happen and threw in several big names in the trade package, including Bam Adebayo and Tyler Herro. Riley, however, did not want to let go of his young superstars and did not make a satisfactory offer to the Portland Trail Blazers. After Portland refused to settle for Pat?s first offer, it was reported that the Miami Heat President never called Portland back to improve his trade offer for Lillard.

Former NBA Champion Kendrick Perkins also doubted Pat Riley?s intentions prior to Lillard?s trade,??How bad do Pat Riley in that front office want Damian???Even though Jimmy Butler wanted Dame D.O.L.L.A to join his squad, it was Pat Riley?s poor decision-making and Portland GM Joe Cronin?s desire to get a good package in exchange for their superstar that led to Damian Lillard?s Milwaukee trade.

Pat Riley missed a lifetime opportunity

Pat Riley is one of the most intelligent and successful personalities in the NBA. Who can forget his execution of the 2010 LeBron James trade to Miami that changed the complexion of the entire NBA? This time though, his mistake could prove to be costly for the Miami Heat. Jimmy Butler and Co. have made it to 2 NBA finals in the last 4 seasons but have not been able to lift the coveted Larry O?Brien trophy since King James left the team in 2014.

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Damian Lillard could have been the perfect superstar to help Jimmy Butler win his first NBA Championship. Lillard singlehandedly has the potential to turn an entire franchise around, and it would have been fairly simple for him, considering the Miami Heat already had a well-built team. Unfortunately, the Miami Heat fans can only wonder what could have been as Pat Riley missed out on a lifetime opportunity to acquire one of the biggest superstars in the game.

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