On August 2nd, 2005, the world forever changed. Pat Riley organized a five-team, thirteen-player trade, a signature moment in Miami Heat history, which eventually led them to win their first NBA championship (https://www.si.com/fannation/nba/fastbreak/news/on-this-day-in-nba-history-august-2-the-largest-trade-in-league-history-boston-celtics-miami-heat).
This proposal would also be another record-setting blockbuster involving five teams and 16 players. This trade adds a feather to Lillard's hat, adding to his legacy involvement in a new NBA record-setting trade.
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 talent while hopefully sending Damian to a contender to compete in the NBA Finals.
Additionally, by including the Atlanta Hawks in this trade, the Trailblazers acquire a new center/power forward in Onyeka Okongwu. To acquire him, Portland would part with one of the picks from the Miami Heat (I chose the '28 pick) and Nassir Little.
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 and Aaron Nesmith add valuable depth, which would be otherwise lost by transacting Herro, Robinson, and Lowry.
Why the Nets do this:
Adding Robinson to the Brooklyn roster adds impactful offense that could make the Mikal Bridges-led Brooklyn an Eastern Conference contender. Also, Spencer Dinwiddie can play either scoring guard or point guard, so adding Lowry does not create a roster conflict, and it could add more offense to their roster. Alternatively, Lowery becomes a tradable asset at the '24 trade deadline, or he could be released at the end of his contract.
Most importantly, however, the Nets get to part with Ben Simmons in this trade. Ben needs out of the large markets. Ben can make necessary improvements under much less pressure by playing for a rebuilding, small-market team.
Why the Pacers do this:
The Pacers could move into contention but must 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 some of their youthful depth to compete next year (https://fansided.com/2023/05/23/pacers-2023-offseason-primer-targets-free-agents-trades-draft-needs/).
Why Atlanta does this:
"Atlanta is scheduled to be more than $10 million into the luxury tax next season," wrote Dan Favale of Bleacher Report on June 2nd. The financial outlook for the Hawks could force the franchise to make some tough decisions. Do they keep Okongwu or Capella? Trae Young wants Capella because he is a reliable lob threat (https://soaringdownsouth.com/2023/06/07/atlanta-hawks-risky-okongwu-contract-capela/). Additionally, Shaddiq Bey is likely to request $20-plus million per year in his next contract. Thus, Okongwu, who is expected to make more than $10M per season upon his next contract signing, will only take the Hawks deeper into the tax. However, by including Okongwu in this trade, the Hawks acquire one of Portland's draft picks from the Miami Heat in the Damian Lillard exchange and Nassir Little, who has a four-year contract at $6.2M per year (https://www.sportstalkatl.com/what-would-an-onyeka-okongwu-contract-extension-look-like/).