The Portland Trail Blazers have received a request from Damian Lillard for a trade. The NBA world was stunned by the request, and Lillard reportedly wants to join the Miami Heat. If Lillard ends up getting traded, the Blazers will lean on their young core of players moving forward

Here are the top five landing spots for Lillard.

Miami Heat

The Miami Heat came out of the East last year. Imagine if they were to include Lillard in their core. The past four seasons, they have advanced to the Eastern Conference finals, but they have not been able to overcome that obstacle. A Lillard addition might be what propels them over the finish line. To attempt and lure the 32-year-old player to South Beach, they might put forth a package featuring Tyler Herro and picks.

Brooklyn Nets

NBA teams need stars, but they also need to have a culture, and the Nets have lacked that ever since Jason Kidd played for them in New Jersey. With Mikal Bridges leading the way, Brooklyn has the chance to create one, but a Lillard deal would feel like yet another unnecessary, premature push to win now, something the organization is starting to become renowned for.

San Antonio Spurs

Lillard is without a doubt the most skilled point guard available if the Spurs are wanting to combine their new French center with one. San Antonio should not feel compelled to make an all-out move at this time, but the idea of this team must be appealing.

Philadelphia 76ers

The current state of Joel Embiid’s mind must be fascinating. Running mate Harden is anticipated to leave, and it appears that Embiid’s time in Philadelphia may be coming to an end. If the 76ers don’t act soon to keep their star content, they risk becoming the summer 2024 version of the Portland Trail Blazers.

Los Angeles Clippers 

While bringing in a lead guard, the Clippers appear to want to keep Paul George and Kawhi Leonard. Harden was undoubtedly the front-runner to fill that role yesterday. Lillard now has the ability to upset the plans. Lillard is an Oakland native, so moving back to his state would likely be appealing. That “big three” might be the best in basketball if they’re all healthy.