The Blazers could wait it out, applying pressure for Lillard to add more teams to his wishlist. They might be hoping another team becomes willing to test Dame’s commitment to Miami and make an offer. However, the media seems convinced Cronin and Miami are playing chicken and once the Heat add more pieces it will be enough. If that is the case, here are three trades:

1 - The Spoeltra-Simmons Challenge:

Heat: Lillard, Simmons

Nets: Herro, Little

Blazers: Clowney, Jovic, Jaquez, Lowry, Dinwiddie, D. Robinson, Heat 2028 & 2030 1st Rnd Picks, Nets 2027 1st Rnd Pick (via PHO) & 2029 1st Rnd Pick (via DAL), Nets 2027 2nd Rd Pick (via DAL), Heat 2026 2nd Rd pick (via OKC, DAL, or PHI), Heat 2029 2nd Rnd Pick

Doesn’t seem like Herro/Little shakes Claxton loose, Clowney is the consolation. Robinson’s a heavy contract, but his shooting could be an asset at the deadline either year of his contract. Sending Little out and Robinson in feels like an overpay for Portland. Challenging Spoelstra and that Heat culture with Simmons would be a fun watch.

2 - More Simmons Fun:

Heat: Lillard, Little

Nets: Herro, Nurkic

Blazers: Jovic, Jaquez, Simmons, Lowry, Heat 2028 & 2030 1st Rnd Picks, Nets 2027 1st Rnd Pick (via PHO) & 2029 1st Rnd Pick (via DAL), Heat 2026 2nd Rd pick (via OKC, DAL, or PHI), Heat 2029 2nd Rnd Pick

Some have grumbled that Simmons in Portland derails the youth movement. He’s also on the record saying he doesn’t want to play for the Blazers. But he would be an entertaining risk to take.

3 - The Media Trade:

Heat: Lillard

Nets: Herro

Blazers: Jovic, Jaquez, Lowry, Dinwiddie, Heat 2028 & 2030 1st Rnd Picks, Nets 2027 1st Rnd Pick (via PHO), Heat 2026 2nd Rd pick (via OKC, DAL, or PHI), Heat 2029 2nd Rnd Pick

This is the kind of trade the media seems to be waiting for Miami to offer. Hard to know if they’ve put it together already or if it’s the best offer the Blazers could field. Sending Nurkic or the Miami 2nd to Brooklyn could squeeze Clowney to the Blazers.

Should Portland say yes to any of these? Should they wait out Lillard in search of a better suitor?