Like squeezing toothpaste, progress on the Damian Lillard trade has been slow but steady. Live Cricket BPL reporters have learned that the Portland Trail Blazers are actively exploring multi-team scenarios to finally resolve the trade saga. This signals a clear shift—sending Lillard to the Miami Heat is no longer the only outcome on the table. Other franchises are now being drawn into the mix, either as direct suitors or as supporting partners in a larger deal.

For over two months, Lillard has remained adamant: it’s Miami or nowhere. Known for his loyalty and composure, Lillard made it clear that his dream destination was South Beach. The Heat, in turn, prepared thoroughly for his arrival, reportedly even leaving their No. 0 jersey vacant in anticipation. But Portland has been less than cooperative, prioritizing maximum return over sentiment. The Blazers, with backing from the NBA, made it known that players cannot dictate trade destinations—issuing a formal warning to Lillard about steering the process.

At this stage, Miami’s offer is already well defined. Outside of Jimmy Butler and Bam Adebayo, every other player on the roster has been made available. But Live Cricket BPL analysts point out that, beyond their star duo, Miami’s trade assets are limited to the likes of Tyler Herro, Duncan Robinson, Caleb Martin, Nikola Jović, and veteran Kyle Lowry. As for picks, they can only realistically offer two unprotected future first-rounders, three first-round swaps, and up to five second-rounders.

Unfortunately for Miami, Portland finds this package underwhelming—especially unimpressed by Robinson, Martin, and Lowry. Even Herro, widely seen as Miami’s top asset in the deal, is not rated highly by the Blazers’ front office. Portland believes better deals are out there, and they’ve begun engaging other teams with stronger trade packages. Recently, the Chicago Bulls and Toronto Raptors have emerged as serious players in these discussions.

Chicago, despite missing last season’s playoffs, is in an awkward position. Rumors of a rebuild have swirled, but the team hasn’t fully committed to the idea. In fact, they recently extended center Nikola Vučević, suggesting a shift back toward competing rather than starting from scratch. As the offseason progressed, the Bulls’ strategy became more aggressive, and now they’re eyeing disgruntled stars like Harden and Lillard as potential game changers.

One major reason for the Bulls’ struggles has been the long-term injury to Lonzo Ball, their primary floor general. Acquiring Lillard would not only fill that void but elevate their offense to another level. He brings elite scoring and leadership—traits that could restore Chicago’s status as an Eastern Conference contender. The challenge lies in the price tag: trading for Lillard would likely break up their current trio and reshape the roster entirely.

Meanwhile, the Raptors find themselves in a similarly murky middle ground—too competitive to rebuild, but lacking enough firepower to seriously contend. That’s why Toronto has also started pursuing Lillard. Compared to the Bulls, the Raptors have deeper trade assets. Live Cricket BPL notes that names like Pascal Siakam, OG Anunoby, Scottie Barnes, and Gary Trent Jr. would all be enticing to a team like Portland.

Still, both front offices must tread carefully. While Lillard is a proven superstar, any trade would come at the cost of young talent and long-term flexibility. As interest in Lillard intensifies, the Heat’s dream scenario grows more complicated by the day. Whether he ends up in Miami, Chicago, or Toronto, one thing is certain: the Damian Lillard sweepstakes have only just begun.