Newsflash: According to The Oregonian’s Aaron Fentress , the Trail Blazers are seeking “in the neighborhood” of four first-round picks and “two quality players (https://www.oregonlive.com/blazers/2023/07/damian-lillards-agent-believes-trail-blazers-and-miami-heat-will-reach-trade-agreement.html).”

Why the Trailblazers do this:

Dame wants out, but Scoot Henderson, Anfernee Simons, and Shaedon Sharpe will still make up a small backcourt. The Trailblazers cannot take a gaggle of talent in exchange for Damian Lillard. The Heat have assets that match Dame's contract but not the Blazers' lineup. This trade allows the Trailblazers to acquire the two quality play they seek while sending Damian to a contender, hopefully to compete in the NBA Finals.

Why the Heat do this:

Damian is the best clutch shooter in Trailblazers' history. If Miami finds themselves down two points before the end of regulation, give Dame the ball. By sending their tradable assets to other teams, which gets the Trailblazers the talent and size they need, Miami creates a win-win solution for both franchises.

Additionally, T.J. McConnell becomes a valuable reserve point guard who also adds defense.

Why the Nets do this:

Adding Duncan to the Brooklyn roster adds impactful offense that could make the Mikal Bridges-led Brooklyn an Eastern Conference contender. Additionally, adding Lowry potentially adds more offense. Spencer Dinwiddie can play either scoring guard or point guard, so adding Lowry does not create a roster conflict. Alternatively, Lowery becomes a tradable asset at the '24 trade deadline or he could be released at the end of his contract.

Why the Pacers do this: The Pacers could move into contention, but they need to improve at the #3 or #4 position. Adding Tyler Herro to their roster potentially fills the gap at #3. All they need to do is give up Jalen Smith, T.J. McConnell, and the expiring contract of Aaron Nesmith. (https://fansided.com/2023/05/23/pacers-2023-offseason-primer-targets-free-agents-trades-draft-needs/).