The <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/miami-heat">Miami Heat</a> went much further than predicted last season, reaching the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/nba">NBA</a> Finals after making the playoffs from the Play-In. But in the end, <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/jimmy-butler">Jimmy Butler</a> and company couldn’t do much against Nikola Jokic’s Denver Nuggets.



This offseason hasn’t been easy for the South Florida franchise, since it lost key contributors such as Gabe Vincent and Max Strus in free agency. On top of that, the Portland Trail Blazers are not letting Damian Lillard go so easily.



The Heat, therefore, face a challenging task in trying to keep a competitive team to repeat a deep playoff run next year. But they finally have some good news to share with their fans.



<h2>Heat reportedly to bring back Haywood Highsmith</h2>



According to NBA insider Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN, the Miami Heat are guaranteeing Haywood Highsmith‘s contract for the 2023-24 NBA season. The forward is set to make $1,902,137 next season, per Spotrac.



The Heat will have the chance to extend a $2.38 million qualifying offer to make him a restricted free agent next year, if not, the 26-year-old would hit the unrestricted open market.


 <div class="wp_fsn_relatedlinks" use="ALSO" link="https://bolavip.com/en/nba/nba-rumors-luka-doncic-could-lose-mavs-teammate-to-jimmy-butlers-heat-20230711-BUS-27289.html" image="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https%3A%2F%2Fimages.bolavip.com%2Fwebp%2Fen%2Ffull%2FBUS_20230711_BUS_27289_Luka-Doncic-1.webp&amp;width=200&amp;height=200" excerpt="With the 2023-24 NBA season slowly getting closer, the Miami Heat could try and help Jimmy Butler by signing a former teammate of Luka Doncic at the Dallas Mavericks.
" title="NBA Rumors: Luka Doncic could lose Mavs teammate to Jimmy Butler&apos;s Heat" publication_id="BUS#20230711#BUS#27289"></div>


Highsmith made just 11 starts in 54 appearances last season, but he was very productive when needed during the playoffs. The Heat have yet to sign another star to help Butler, but at least they’re avoiding to lose another depth piece.

NBA News: Heat to re-sign player for nearly $2m to help Jimmy Butler

NBA News: Heat to re-sign player for nearly $2m to help Jimmy Butler - Bolavip US

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Throughout the course of <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/nba" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NBA</a> history, just a handful of players have been able to leave a permanent mark on the game. We’re talking about the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/michael-jordan" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Michael Jordans</a> and <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/lebron-james" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">LeBron James</a> of the game.



Of course, the San Antonio Spurs hope that first-overall pick Victor Wembanyama will join that list once it’s all said and done. But he’s just walking his first steps in the league.



However, even if he has yet to make his professional debut, <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/los-angeles-lakers" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Los Angeles Lakers</a> legend Jerry West believes that the French star has a similar game to Bill Russell, which is a lot to say.



<h2>Jerry West Compares Victor Wembanyama To Bill Russell</h2>



“You rarely see someone that combines his brain and his ability,” West started. “Just watching him play, it’s an easy game for him to play, very easy and it never looks like he is working. If you watch really great players, it never looks like they’re working hard.”



“When you watch him defensively, he ruins games. He reminds me a little bit of a bigger Bill Russell with a big reach, coming from everywhere— any offensive player is gonna have to be really cautious about where he is because he’s gonna mess up some offenses that’s for sure,” West concluded.


 <div class="wp_fsn_relatedlinks" use="SEO" link="https://bolavip.com/en/nba/draymond-green-reveals-the-one-thing-victor-wembanyama-is-already-elite-at-20230706-BUS-24472.html" image="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https%3A%2F%2Fimages.bolavip.com%2Fwebp%2Fen%2Ffull%2FBUS_20230706_BUS_24472_victor-wembanyama-1.webp&amp;width=200&amp;height=200" excerpt="Even though he hasn&apos;t played a single minute of NBA basketball, Victor Wembanyama is still an elite player in one aspect, according to Draymond Green.
" title="Draymond Green reveals the one thing Victor Wembanyama is already elite at" publication_id="BUS#20230706#BUS#24472"></div>

 <div class="wp_fsn_relatedlinks" use="ALSO" link="https://bolavip.com/en/nba/britney-spears-victor-wembanyama-open-up-on-their-altercation-20230707-BUS-24985.html" image="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https%3A%2F%2Fimages.bolavip.com%2Fwebp%2Fen%2Ffull%2FBUS_20230707_BUS_24985_britney-spears-victor-wembanyama.webp&amp;width=200&amp;height=200" excerpt="Britney Spears and Victor Wembanyama share their versions of how their viral incident in Las Vegas went down.
" title="Britney Spears, Victor Wembanyama open up on their altercation" publication_id="BUS#20230707#BUS#24985"></div>

 <div class="wp_fsn_relatedlinks" use="SEO" link="https://bolavip.com/en/nba/nba-news-victor-wembanyama-receives-incredible-advice-from-kareem-abdul-jabbar-20230710-BUS-26401.html" image="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https%3A%2F%2Fimages.bolavip.com%2Fwebp%2Fen%2Ffull%2FBUS_20230710_BUS_26401_victorwembanyama.webp&amp;width=200&amp;height=200" excerpt="After a very complicated debut, Victor Wembanyama received a special message from a NBA legend. 
" title="Victor Wembanyama gets big advice from Kareem Abdul-Jabbar" publication_id="BUS#20230710#BUS#26401"></div>


Well, if Wemby is able to win just one third of the championships Russell won, then he’ll already have a better career than most of his colleagues. Hopefully, he’ll stay healthy and live up to that unimaginable potential.

Jerry West makes astonishing Victor Wembanyama comparison

Draymond Green reveals the one thing Victor Wembanyama is already elite at

Victor Wembanyama gets big advice from Kareem Abdul-Jabbar

Jerry West makes astonishing Victor Wembanyama comparison - Bolavip US

When the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/phoenix-suns">Phoenix Suns</a> traded for <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/kevin-durant">Kevin Durant</a> in February, they sent a message to the rest of the league: they want to win an <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/nba">NBA</a> championship now. It wasn’t meant to be last season, but they’re doing everything they can to make it happen in 2024.



The Suns pulled off a blockbuster trade early in the offseason, sending Chris Paul to the Washington Wizards for Bradley Beal. Additionally, they also stayed busy in the first days of free agency.



While their roster already looks stacked for the upcoming season, it looks like the front office isn’t done yet. According to reports, Phoenix set its sights on another player before retiring from the market.



<h2>Rumor: Suns could trade for TJ McConnell</h2>



According to NBA insider Jake Fischer of Yahoo! Sports, the Phoenix Suns are considering trading for Indiana Pacers point guard T.J. McConnell to upgrade at the position:



“The Pacers have been mentioned in another possible trade discussion this week. Phoenix has continued to explore trade scenarios regarding reserve guard Cam Payne, league sources told Yahoo Sports, and Indiana point guard T.J. McConnell has been one player on the Suns’ radar.“


 <div class="wp_fsn_relatedlinks" use="ALSO" link="https://bolavip.com/en/nba/nba-phoenix-suns-re-sign-key-player-for-2m-to-help-kevin-durant-20230712-BUS-27390.html" image="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https%3A%2F%2Fimages.bolavip.com%2Fwebp%2Fen%2Ffull%2FBUS_20230712_BUS_27390_Kevin-Durant-Phoenix-Suns-NBA-2023.webp&amp;width=200&amp;height=200" excerpt="The Suns want to ensure that most of the best players from last season stay on the roster to face the upcoming season with the best weapons. Check here who is the player.
" title="NBA: Phoenix Suns re-sign key player for $2m to help Kevin Durant" publication_id="BUS#20230712#BUS#27390"></div>


Cameron Payne and Jordan Goodwin don’t seem to convince the Suns, which is why they’d try and improve their alternatives at the point.

NBA Rumors: Suns eye another player to help Kevin Durant

NBA Rumors: Suns eye another player to help Kevin Durant - Bolavip US

Not so long ago, <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/nba" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NBA </a>scouts considered Cam Reddish a can’t-miss kind of talent. His athleticism was evident but he struggled with efficiency. Now, he’s set to play for his fourth team in five years in the league.



Reddish showed glimpses of greatness, but failed to establish himself with the Atlanta Hawks, New York Knicks, and Portland Trail Blazers. Even so, GM Rob Pelinka still has plenty of faith in him.



The <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/los-angeles-lakers" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Los Angeles Lakers</a> didn’t hesitate to take a chance on the Duke product. Recently, Pelinka raved about his potential impact with the team, reminding everyone that he was a top-10 pick just in 2020.



<h2>Rob Pelinka Addresses Signing Cam Reddish</h2>



“I think all the tools are there for Cam,” Pelinka said, per The Athletic. “We have an assistant coach on Darvin’s staff, Chris Jent, who had Cam when he was with the Atlanta Hawks. He was a member of their staff and had a really good run with him where he had some really meaningful and impactful games in the playoffs where Cam made a difference.”



“I believe in Darvin and his staff to be able to take a guy like that and get him back to playing confident basketball, efficient basketball,” Pelinka continued. “This was someone who was a (top-10) pick in the draft just a few years ago. So it’s there, and I’m excited for him to show it.”


 <div class="wp_fsn_relatedlinks" use="SEO" link="https://bolavip.com/en/nba/nba-champion-with-nuggets-explains-how-lakers-hurt-him-in-the-past-20230711-BUS-27257.html" image="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https%3A%2F%2Fimages.bolavip.com%2Fwebp%2Fen%2Ffull%2FBUS_20230711_BUS_27257_Nuggets-vs-Lakers.webp&amp;width=200&amp;height=200" excerpt="Winning the 2023 NBA championship was a special moment for the Denver Nuggets, especially for a player who was overlooked by the Los Angeles Lakers a few years back.
" title="NBA champion with Nuggets explains how Lakers hurt him in the past" publication_id="BUS#20230711#BUS#27257"></div>

 <div class="wp_fsn_relatedlinks" use="ALSO" link="https://bolavip.com/en/nba/lakers-set-one-condition-to-give-anthony-davis-a-contract-extension-20230711-BUS-26898.html" image="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https%3A%2F%2Fimages.bolavip.com%2Fwebp%2Fen%2Ffull%2FBUS_20230711_BUS_26898_anthony-davis-1.webp&amp;width=200&amp;height=200" excerpt="With Anthony Davis’ future with the Los Angeles Lakers still in question, it seems like the team has set one major condition before signing him to an extension.
" title="Lakers set one condition to give Anthony Davis a contract extension" publication_id="BUS#20230711#BUS#26898"></div>

 <div class="wp_fsn_relatedlinks" use="SEO" link="https://bolavip.com/en/nba/nba-news-darvin-ham-gets-real-on-russell-westbrooks-time-with-the-lakers-20230712-BUS-27992.html" image="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https%3A%2F%2Fimages.bolavip.com%2Fwebp%2Fen%2Ffull%2FBUS_20230712_BUS_27992_Russell-Westbrook-1.webp&amp;width=200&amp;height=200" excerpt="Russell Westbrook&apos;s move to the Los Angeles Lakers left much to be desired and he ended up joining the Clippers. Here&apos;s what Darvin Ham had to say about the former NBA MVP.
" title="NBA News: Darvin Ham gets real on Russell Westbrook&apos;s time with the Lakers" publication_id="BUS#20230712#BUS#27992"></div>


This might as well be Reddish’s last chance to make a name for himself in the league, and the Lakers had been after him for quite a while, so maybe he’ll be their next successful project.

Rob Pelinka raves about the Lakers' new secret weapon

NBA champion with Nuggets explains how Lakers hurt him in the past

NBA News: Darvin Ham gets real on Russell Westbrook's time with the Lakers

Rob Pelinka raves about the Lakers' new secret weapon - Bolavip US

There was a time when <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/nba" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NBA </a>scouts legitimately thought Dion Waiters was going to be a superstar. Some even questioned if the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/cleveland-cavaliers" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Cleveland Cavalier</a>s should build around him instead of <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/kyrie-irving">Kyrie Irving.</a>



Waiters had a strong and often difficult character. He was a relentless offensive-minded player, and his shot selection and attitude often got in the way of his skills. 



He bounced around the league and even won a championship with the<a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/los-angeles-lakers" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> Los Angeles Lakers</a> in the bubble. However, his attitude issues drove most teams away, up to the point where he was out of the NBA by 28.



<h2>Dion Waiters Talks About His Struggles With Mental Health</h2>



Waiters found himself as a perennial free agent and no offers sitting on his table. So, now that he’s trying to work his way back to the league, he opened up on having suicidal thoughts after not having professional basketball in his life anymore:



“I just wasn’t having fun. I had thoughts of not being around, but I’ve got kids,” Waiters said. “I’d rather be miserable for the rest of my life than to leave my kids without a father. I didn’t want to be around anyone, and everybody was still asking for s–t. I’m a one-man army as far as finances go. I’m the backbone. S–t was dark. Some days, I’d sleep in the bed all day. I had nothing to look forward to. I wasn’t working out. It’s a mental battle.”



“If you think about it, I went through every phase in the league, bro,” Waiters continued. “I was a top-five pick, a starter, not starting, starter again. I went to Miami and had a good situation, and at the peak of my career, I broke my foot. I’ve been through it all. I would tell the youngsters to stay with it. Come in and work every day, keep your mouth closed, learn how to talk to people, watch a lot of film and just prepare for that moment when your time comes. They’ll eventually throw you out there.“



We often forget that professional athletes are also humans, first and foremost. Props to Waiters for getting himself out of that dark place and being brave enough to share his story.

Dion Waiters addresses suicidal thoughts after being out of the NBA

Dion Waiters addresses suicidal thoughts after being out of the NBA - Bolavip US

Damian Lillard is in the middle of a huge controversy after he asked for a trade to the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/portland-trail-blazers">Portland Trail Blazers</a>. Following many decisions by the front office, such as drafting Scoot Henderson, the star wants to play with <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/jimmy-butler">Jimmy Butler</a> at the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/miami-heat">Miami Heat</a>.



Meanwhile, Kevin Durant is getting ready for his first full season with the Phoenix Suns. He’s going to play in a superb starting lineup alongside Devin Booker and Bradley Beal. 


 <div class="wp_fsn_relatedlinks" use="ALSO" link="https://bolavip.com/en/nba/stephen-a-smith-sends-a-big-warning-to-damian-lillard-20230625-BUS-17792.html" image="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https%3A%2F%2Fimages.bolavip.com%2Fwebp%2Fen%2Ffull%2FBUS_20230625_BUS_17792_damianlillard-1.webp&amp;width=200&amp;height=200" excerpt="Stephen A. Smith isn&apos;t buying the recent information about the Blazers and Damian Lillard. 
" title="Stephen A. Smith was right about Damian Lillard and the Blazers" publication_id="BUS#20230625#BUS#17792"></div>


As two of the biggest names in the NBA, <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/damian-lillard">Damian Lillard</a> and <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/kevin-durant">Kevin Durant</a> are followed very closely on social media. That’s why a recent exchange on Twitter made headlines. 



<h2>Damian Lillard takes a shot at Kevin Durant on Twitter</h2>



This Wednesday, Kevin Durant was very active in his official Twitter account answering different types of questions about the NBA and other interesting topics. 


 <div class="wp_fsn_relatedlinks" use="SEO" link="https://bolavip.com/en/nba/damian-lillard-officially-wants-to-play-with-jimmy-butler-and-miami-heat-20230701-BUS-21378.html" image="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https%3A%2F%2Fimages.bolavip.com%2Fwebp%2Fen%2Ffull%2FBUS_20230701_BUS_21378_damianlillard-1.webp&amp;width=200&amp;height=200" excerpt="Damian Lillard has chosen his next team. The Miami Heat and Jimmy Butler are favorites to land him, but, the Blazers might have a final word. 
" title="Damian Lillard gets bad news from Blazers" publication_id="BUS#20230701#BUS#21378"></div>

 <div class="wp_fsn_relatedlinks" use="SEO" link="https://bolavip.com/en/nba/lebron-james-announces-final-decision-between-lakers-or-retirement-20230702-BUS-22095.html" image="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https%3A%2F%2Fimages.bolavip.com%2Fwebp%2Fen%2Ffull%2FBUS_20230702_BUS_22095_lebronjames-1.webp&amp;width=200&amp;height=200" excerpt="After many weeks of uncertainty, LeBron James has confirmed his final decision between the Los Angeles Lakers and retirement from the NBA.
" title="LeBron James confirms on Instagram the next team he&apos;ll play for in the 2023 season" publication_id="BUS#20230702#BUS#22095"></div>


One of the users on Twitter send this message to Durant: “There’s a saying in team sports that offense puts people in the seats, but defense wins you championships.” The star immediately responded: “Offense wins you championships brother.”


 <div class="wp_fsn_relatedlinks" use="ALSO" link="https://bolavip.com/en/nba/blazers-gm-makes-strong-admission-about-damian-lillard-20230714-BUS-28822.html" image="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https%3A%2F%2Fimages.bolavip.com%2Fwebp%2Fen%2Ffull%2FBUS_20230714_BUS_28822_damian-lillard-7.webp&amp;width=200&amp;height=200" excerpt="With Damian Lillard looking to force his way out of the team, Portland Trail Blazers GM Joe Cronin made a strong admission over the situation.
" title="Blazers GM makes strong admission about Damian Lillard" publication_id="BUS#20230714#BUS#28822"></div>


Then, in an incredible turn of events, Damian Lillard took that tweet and answered it with two emojis laughing out loud. Many people criticized the Blazers’ player by saying how the point guard could mock Durant when he hasn’t won a championship at all. 



<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<div class="ck-twitter"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">🤣🤣 <a href="https://t.co/6e8uaBHyOr">https://t.co/6e8uaBHyOr</a>— Damian Lillard (@Dame_Lillard) <a href="https://twitter.com/Dame_Lillard/status/1679283863464595456?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 13, 2023</a></blockquote></div><script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div></figure>

Damian Lillard takes a big shot at Kevin Durant

Damian Lillard gets bad news from Blazers

LeBron James confirms on Instagram the next team he'll play for in the 2023 season

Damian Lillard takes a big shot at Kevin Durant - Bolavip US

Not so long ago, the<a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/golden-state-warriors" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> Golden State Warriors</a> had made it clear that they thought <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/jordan-poole" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Jordan Poole</a> was going to be the next big thing in the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/nba" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NBA</a>. Even though he was statistically the worst player in the league in his rookie season, they stood by him and developed him.



Poole broke out after a stint in the G-League and proved to be better than originally expected, earning himself a spot in the rotation and a big payday with a huge contract extension.



However, team insider Jason Dumas reports that all the money may have gotten to Poole’s head, as he demanded to be treated like <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/stephen-curry" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Stephen Curry</a>, Klay Thompson, and Draymond Green. Notably, he had to earn his stripes first.



<h2>Jordan Poole Wanted Superstar Treatment From The Warriors</h2>



“The punch [by Draymond Green] was kind of like the cherry on top, but there was some festering way before that during the season that had nothing to do with the punch,” Dumas said on The Morning Roast. 



“He just wanted more playing time. He wanted to start, he wanted a role,” Dumas added. “Whether you think this is fair or not, he wanted to get treated like Steph (Curry), Klay (Thompson), and Dray (Draymond Green), and he noticed that, in his opinion, wasn’t equal treatment; (he) didn’t appreciate it.”


 <div class="wp_fsn_relatedlinks" use="SEO" link="https://bolavip.com/en/nba/warriors-news-stephen-curry-sends-message-to-jordan-poole-after-being-traded-for-chris-paul-20230707-BUS-25255.html" image="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https%3A%2F%2Fimages.bolavip.com%2Fwebp%2Fen%2Ffull%2FBUS_20230707_BUS_25255_Jordan-Poole-and-Stephen-Curry.webp&amp;width=200&amp;height=200" excerpt="The Golden State Warriors have shockingly traded Jordan Poole for Chris Paul, and Stephen Curry had something to say for his former teammate.
" title="Warriors News: Stephen Curry sends message to Jordan Poole after being traded for Chris Paul" publication_id="BUS#20230707#BUS#25255"></div>

 <div class="wp_fsn_relatedlinks" use="ALSO" link="https://bolavip.com/en/nba/not-draymond-green-jordan-pooles-feud-with-another-warriors-star-led-to-his-trade-20230710-BUS-26518.html" image="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https%3A%2F%2Fimages.bolavip.com%2Fwebp%2Fen%2Ffull%2FBUS_20230710_BUS_26518_jordan-poole-1.webp&amp;width=200&amp;height=200" excerpt="Even though most people think it was his fight with Draymond Green that led to his trade, Jordan Poole had issues with multiple people inside the Golden State Warriors organization.
" title="Not Draymond Green: Jordan Poole&apos;s feud with another Warriors star led to his trade" publication_id="BUS#20230710#BUS#26518"></div>

 <div class="wp_fsn_relatedlinks" use="SEO" link="https://bolavip.com/en/nba/steve-kerr-may-have-taken-a-big-shot-at-jordan-poole-20230707-BUS-25008.html" image="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https%3A%2F%2Fimages.bolavip.com%2Fwebp%2Fen%2Ffull%2FBUS_20230707_BUS_25008_steve-kerr-jordan-poole.webp&amp;width=200&amp;height=200" excerpt="Now that we know that several veterans had issues with Jordan Poole&apos;s attitude, it seems like even his coach wasn&apos;t that fond of him.
" title="Steve Kerr may have taken a big shot at Jordan Poole" publication_id="BUS#20230707#BUS#25008"></div>

 <div class="wp_fsn_relatedlinks" use="SEO" link="" image="" excerpt="" title="" publication_id=""></div>


The Warriors wanted Poole to embrace a bigger role and eventually become the face of the franchise, but his attitude didn’t help. Now, he’ll have to forge his own path somewhere else.

Jordan Poole had a strong demand for the Warriors

Steve Kerr may have taken a big shot at Jordan Poole

Warriors News: Stephen Curry sends message to Jordan Poole after being traded for Chris Paul

Jordan Poole had a strong demand for the Warriors - Bolavip US

The<a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/portland-trail-blazers" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> Portland Trail Blazers</a> have already made it more than clear that they have no intention whatsoever of helping <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/damian-lillard" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Damian Lillard </a>get to the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/miami-heat" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Miami Hea</a>t. They’ll only play ball if the Heat make an offer they like, which hasn’t been the case thus far.



The Blazers aren’t interested in getting Tyler Herro in return for Lillard, and he’s pretty much the best thing the Heat have to offer right now. So, they’re only hope is to get a third team involved.



Fortunately for them, Jake Fischer of Yahoo Sports reports that the Utah Jazz could reportedly be willing to land the Kentucky product to facilitate this <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/nba" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NBA</a>-shaking deal.



<h2>NBA Rumors: Jazz Could Take Tyler Herro To Facilitate Damian Lillard Trade</h2>



“For the Blazers’ hopes of finding a multi-team package with Miami, there is optimism among league personnel that Portland will find at least a first-round pick from another franchise that’s more keen to welcome Tyler Herro,” Fischer wrote. 



“Although outside of early rumblings about Brooklyn and Chicago, the only team even loosely connected as a Herro suitor has been Utah,” continued Fischer, “The Jazz’s valuation of Herro was a key talking point around last year’s Summer League, too, as team staffers were readying for Utah to move on from Donovan Mitchell — in a trade sweepstakes that NBA figures believed would come down to the Heat’s offer featuring Herro, similar to their possible package for Lillard, and a potential offer from New York that could have included R.J. Barrett.”


 <div class="wp_fsn_relatedlinks" use="SEO" link="https://bolavip.com/en/nba/nba-news-damian-lillard-rejects-two-trade-offers-from-big-contenders-20230712-BUS-27538.html" image="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https%3A%2F%2Fimages.bolavip.com%2Fwebp%2Fen%2Ffull%2FBUS_20230712_BUS_27538_damianlillard-4.webp&amp;width=200&amp;height=200" excerpt="The Blazers received two very attractive proposals in the NBA for Damian Lillard. However, the star player has just one destination on mind.
" title="Damian Lillard rejects two big trade offers" publication_id="BUS#20230712#BUS#27538"></div>


It won’t be easy, but if the Jazz still consider Herro a potential building block, then the Heat need to make the most of this window to get the deal done and finally get their All-Star PG.

Heat find a potential ally to get Damian Lillard

Damian Lillard rejects two big trade offers

Heat find a potential ally to get Damian Lillard - Bolavip US

LeBron James&nbsp;shocked the&nbsp;<a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/nba" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NBA</a>&nbsp;with a very controversial statement about a possible retirement after the&nbsp;<a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/los-angeles-lakers" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Los Angeles Lakers</a>&nbsp;were eliminated by the&nbsp;<a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/denver-nuggets" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Denver Nuggets</a>&nbsp;in the Western Conference finals.



“We’ll see what happens going forward. I don’t know.&nbsp;I have a lot to think about to be honest.&nbsp;Just for me personally going forward in the game of basketball. I have a lot to think about.”


 <div class="wp_fsn_relatedlinks" use="ALSO" link="https://bolavip.com/en/nba/lebron-james-receives-incredible-message-from-lakers-about-nba-retirement-20230524-BUS-3503.html" image="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https%3A%2F%2Fimages.bolavip.com%2Fwebp%2Fen%2Ffull%2FBUS_20230524_BUS_3503_lebronjames-1.webp&amp;width=200&amp;height=200" excerpt="After LeBron James confirmed he&apos;s thinking about retirement, the Lakers sent him a shocking message. Read here to check out the details.
" title="LeBron James gets a shocking message from Lakers about retirement" publication_id="BUS#20230524#BUS#3503"></div>


However, the&nbsp;Lakers&nbsp;remained confident and general manager Rob Pelinka delivered big moves in&nbsp;<a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nba/nba-news-lakers-make-big-moves-in-free-agency-to-retain-lebron-james-20230701-BUS-21298.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">free agency</a>&nbsp;to convince the King. Now, in a crucial moment for the franchise,&nbsp;<a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/lebron-james" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">LeBron James</a>&nbsp;has announced his final decision publicly at the ESPYS.



<h2>LeBron James confirms he’ll return with the Lakers at the ESPYS</h2>



In a very emotional moment, LeBron James talked about his future after he received the ESPY for Best Record-Breaking Performance. Last season, the legend passed Kareem Abdul-Jabbar as the all-time leading scorer in the NBA.


 <div class="wp_fsn_relatedlinks" use="SEO" link="https://bolavip.com/en/nba/lebron-james-epic-reaction-to-lakers-official-signings-20230707-BUS-25347.html" image="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https%3A%2F%2Fimages.bolavip.com%2Fwebp%2Fen%2Ffull%2FBUS_20230707_BUS_25347_lebronjames-5.webp&amp;width=200&amp;height=200" excerpt="LeBron James had an amazing reaction after the Lakers confirmed all their signings in free agency.
" title="NBA News: LeBron James confirms his future with Lakers on Instagram" publication_id="BUS#20230707#BUS#25347"></div>

 <div class="wp_fsn_relatedlinks" use="SEO" link="https://bolavip.com/en/nba/damian-lillard-officially-wants-to-play-with-jimmy-butler-and-miami-heat-20230701-BUS-21378.html" image="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https%3A%2F%2Fimages.bolavip.com%2Fwebp%2Fen%2Ffull%2FBUS_20230701_BUS_21378_damianlillard-1.webp&amp;width=200&amp;height=200" excerpt="Damian Lillard has chosen his next team. The Miami Heat and Jimmy Butler are favorites to land him, but, the Blazers might have a final word. 
" title="Damian Lillard gets bad news from Blazers" publication_id="BUS#20230701#BUS#21378"></div>


“When the season ended, I said I wasn’t sure if I was going to keep playing. I’m here now speaking for myself. In that moment, I’m asking myself if I can still play without cheating the game. Can I give everything to the game still?“



LeBron admitted he has been thinking about retirement for some time. “The truth is I’ve been asking myself this question at the end of the season for a couple of years now. I just never openly talked about it. I don’t care how many more points I score or what I can or cannot do on the floor, the real question for me is: Can I play without cheating this game?”


 <div class="wp_fsn_relatedlinks" use="ALSO" link="https://bolavip.com/en/nba/lebron-james-emotional-reaction-after-son-bronny-james-confirms-usc-number-20230623-BUS-16361.html" image="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https%3A%2F%2Fimages.bolavip.com%2Fwebp%2Fen%2Ffull%2FBUS_20230623_BUS_16361_lebronjames.webp&amp;width=200&amp;height=200" excerpt="Bronny James just announced the number he&apos;ll wear at USC and LeBron James couldn&apos;t believe it. 
" title="LeBron James&apos; message to Bronny after his son picks very special number with USC" publication_id="BUS#20230623#BUS#16361"></div>


Then, in the final part of his speech, LeBron James finally delivered the big news. He’ll come back for his 21st season. “The day I can’t give everything on the floor is the day I’ll be done. Lucky for you guys, that day is not today.”

NBA News: LeBron James' first public message about retirement

NBA News: LeBron James confirms his future with Lakers on Instagram

NBA News: LeBron James' first public message about retirement - Bolavip US

The <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/los-angeles-lakers" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Los Angeles Lakers</a> have been planning their offseason as if <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/lebron-james" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">LeBron James </a>was going to be on the team next season. Honestly, not many people around the league thought he was going to retire from the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/nba" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NBA.</a>



James hinted at walking away from the game at the end of the season. Perhaps he did mean it, as he looked quite gassed after such a long season, but not many people bought it.



So, after weeks of speculation, the four-time NBA champion finally confirmed what everybody knew: He’s not going away any time soon. However, he did have a strong demand for his naysayers.



<h2>LeBron James Demands Respect As He Confirms He’s Not Retiring</h2>



“The day I can’t give the game everything on the floor is the day I’ll be done. Lucky for you guys, that day is not today,” James said when he took the stage at the ESPYs.



“Listen, you can love me and I know some of you hate me as well,” James added. “But the one thing you will always do is respect me and appreciate the way I approach the game and what I’ve given to this game.”


 <div class="wp_fsn_relatedlinks" use="ALSO" link="https://bolavip.com/en/nba/nba-rumors-rich-paul-suggests-lebron-james-may-come-back-to-lakers-despite-retirement-speculation-20230712-BUS-27730.html" image="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https%3A%2F%2Fimages.bolavip.com%2Fwebp%2Fen%2Ffull%2FBUS_20230712_BUS_27730_LeBron-James-2-1.webp&amp;width=200&amp;height=200" excerpt="LeBron James&apos; agent and close friend Rich Paul may have revealed that The King plans to come back to the Los Angeles Lakers for the 2023-24 NBA season.
" title="NBA Rumors: Rich Paul suggests LeBron James may come back to Lakers despite retirement speculation" publication_id="BUS#20230712#BUS#27730"></div>


James has had the same speech since winning the ring in the bubble. He’s one of the most beloved players of all time, yet he still feels like he doesn’t get the respect he deserves. Ironically, that’s also why some of his haters don’t like him.

LeBron James makes bold demand as he confirms he's not retiring

LeBron James makes bold demand as he confirms he's not retiring - Bolavip US

The <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/miami-heat">Miami Heat</a> came close to winning another <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/nba">NBA</a> championship in the last few years, but they’ve always come up short. Therefore, the team has been strongly linked with <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/damian-lillard">Damian Lillard</a> this offseason.



Many agree that landing a player of his caliber is what Erik Spoelstra’s team needs to go the distance, since it looked like having Jimmy Butler and Bam Adebayo wasn’t enough to do so.



However, the Portland Trail Blazers have made it clear they’re willing to wait for months if they don’t get what they want in return. Miami will probably need help to make this happen, but one of the candidates to act as a third team is reportedly not interested in this deal after all.



<h2>Rumor: Nets may not want to part with Ben Simmons</h2>



According to NBA insider Jake Fischer of Yahoo! Sports, the Brooklyn Nets may not be the third team Miami needs to strike a deal with Portland, as they reportedly want to give Ben Simmons another chance:



“There’s been league-wide speculation that Brooklyn has looked into adding Herro as an effort to offload Ben Simmons. However the Nets, league sources told Yahoo Sports, have not held any meaningful trade conversation regarding Simmons and this Lillard-to-Miami blockbuster. Yes, this is another offseason rife with social media sightings of Simmons on the mend, shirtless and lifting and back on the court, but Nets officials seem genuinely intrigued to see how a healthy, former three-time All-Star can perform in a much different Brooklyn environment.“


 <div class="wp_fsn_relatedlinks" use="ALSO" link="https://bolavip.com/en/nba/nba-rumors-luka-doncic-could-lose-mavs-teammate-to-jimmy-butlers-heat-20230711-BUS-27289.html" image="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https%3A%2F%2Fimages.bolavip.com%2Fwebp%2Fen%2Ffull%2FBUS_20230711_BUS_27289_Luka-Doncic-1.webp&amp;width=200&amp;height=200" excerpt="With the 2023-24 NBA season slowly getting closer, the Miami Heat could try and help Jimmy Butler by signing a former teammate of Luka Doncic at the Dallas Mavericks.
" title="NBA Rumors: Luka Doncic could lose Mavs teammate to Jimmy Butler&apos;s Heat" publication_id="BUS#20230711#BUS#27289"></div>


Simmons left much to be desired in Brooklyn so far, but the team understands it hasn’t seen enough of the Australian yet.

NBA Rumors: Heat may lose a potential trade partner to get Damian Lillard

NBA Rumors: Heat may lose a potential trade partner to get Damian Lillard - Bolavip US

When the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/los-angeles-lakers">Los Angeles Lakers</a> traded for <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/russell-westbrook">Russell Westbrook</a> ahead of the 2021-22 <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/nba">NBA</a> season, they thought he would form a Big Three next to LeBron James and Anthony Davis. But nothing went to plan, and despite Darvin Ham‘s effort to make it work, the team eventually let Brodie go.



Westbrook was sent to the Utah Jazz as part of a three-team trade before the February deadline last season, but he was cut by his new team. In a shocking turn of events, Russ rediscovered his best version at the Clippers.



Many things have changed for both since they took separate ways, with the veteran guard repairing his reputation in the league while the purple and gold once again became a competitive team. While many blame Westbrook for the Lakers’ previous struggles, Ham is grateful for what Brodie did under his tutelage.



<h2>Darvin Ham has nothing but praise for Russell Westbrook</h2>



“And I told Russ, I said—and shout out to Russ, man. He takes a lot of blame, and everybody seems to want to talk stuff about him … but some of the stuff he has to endure, and he’s still a very, very highly capable basketball player. I appreciate him for just giving it a chance and complying with what I wanted to do and just taking a bullet for the team,” the Lakers head coach said on the #thisleague UNCUT podcast, via ClutchPoints.



“People forget, man, when he came in from that reserve role, and we would put runners and shooters and rim rollers and finishers around him. There’s times they were chanting MVP for Russ. … He brought that energy. And you look up, and now we’ve gone on a 12-to-2 or 10–0 run as soon as he stepped into the lineup off the bench.”


 <div class="wp_fsn_relatedlinks" use="ALSO" link="https://bolavip.com/en/nba/Russell-Westbrooks-message-to-LeBron-Lakers-after-the-Clippers-playoff-elimination-20230426-0034.html" image="https://bolavip.com/__export/1682546697631/sites/bolavip/img/2023/04/26/los_angelesx_california_-_april_20__russell_westbrook_x0_of_the_la_clippers_in_the_first_half_of_gam.jpg_1890075089.jpg" excerpt="Following the Los Angeles Clippers elimination from the NBA playoffs at the hands of&amp;nbsp;the Phoenix Suns, Russell Westbrook threw shade at his former team." title="Russell Westbrook&apos;s message to LeBron, Lakers after the Clippers&apos; playoff elimination" publication_id="BUS#20230426#CMS#0034"></div>


Ham has a fair point. Even if he struggled with the purple and gold, Westbrook showed a much better version of himself coming off the bench. Even so, parting ways turned out to be the best for everyone.

NBA News: Darvin Ham gets real on Russell Westbrook's time with the Lakers - Bolavip US

<a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/james-harden">James Harden</a> reportedly submitted a trade request to the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/philadelphia-76ers">Philadelphia 76ers</a> ahead of the 2023-24 <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/nba">NBA</a> season. This is obviously a huge threat to their championship aspirations, which is why the team has reportedly been trying to change his mind.



Patrick Beverley and Joel Embiid have publicly asked The Beard to stay, letting him know how much they care about him and how important he is for the team. Needless to say, Daryl Morey also wants Harden to reconsider.



The Sixers general manager knows him from their days together in Houston and pushed hard to get Harden from Brooklyn last year. However, it looks like the 33-year-old has already made a decision.



<h2>Rumor: James Harden still wants to be traded</h2>



Though he couldn’t find a new home yet, The Beard seems to have made up his mind. According to Ramona Shelburne of ESPN, James Harden reiterated his desire to be traded this offseason despite the team’s efforts to keep him.



“I don’t think they’re close on anything,” Shelburne said on NBA Today, via Sixers Wire. “Though James Harden has spoken to Daryl Morey since the first trade request and I think there was some cooling off period and gone. ‘OK, let’s let this lie and see how things play out’ and they spoke again and he’s still reiterated that he wants to be traded now. This isn’t a demand. It’s a request and I think the Sixers have said ‘OK, we will try to trade you but there is no hurry to do this’ and I think the Sixers understand that they have the leverage here. I mean, James has picked up his option. This is a opt in to a contract, and he’s going to be a free agent after this season. So at some point, he needs to play whether that’s in Philadelphia or elsewhere. Plus, there is a sense that if they can give it some time and as he’s cool with his teammates. He’s been talking to Joel Embiid. He’s been talking to Patrick Beverley, PJ Tucker that eventually maybe those fences can be mended and there is a path to reconciliation with James Harden, but for now, he has reiterated his trade request.“


 <div class="wp_fsn_relatedlinks" use="ALSO" link="https://bolavip.com/en/nba/nba-news-sixers-teammates-want-james-harden-to-reconsider-trade-request-20230710-BUS-26684.html" image="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https%3A%2F%2Fimages.bolavip.com%2Fwebp%2Fen%2Ffull%2FBUS_20230710_BUS_26684_jamesharden.webp&amp;width=200&amp;height=200" excerpt="James Harden reportedly wants out of the Philadelphia 76ers, but his teammates are letting the guard know they want him to stay.
" title="NBA News: Sixers teammates want James Harden to reconsider trade request" publication_id="BUS#20230710#BUS#26684"></div>


Harden requesting a trade is not something new, since he already did the same in Houston and Brooklyn in the past. The Los Angeles Clippers have been mentioned as a potential landing spot, but there has been no progress so far.

NBA Rumors: James Harden may have made a decision about his future at the 76ers

NBA Rumors: James Harden may have made a decision about his future at the 76ers - Bolavip US

<a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/stephen-curry">Stephen Curry</a> is still capable of playing at an incredibly high level, so the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/golden-state-warriors">Golden State Warriors</a> cannot waste any more second. The front office is aware of that, which is why it’s been making significant moves ahead of the 2023-24 <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/nba">NBA</a> season.



One of Mike Dunleavy’s first decisions as general manager has been to trade Jordan Poole for Chris Paul, making it clear the Dubs want to win now. Besides, the team was able to re-sign Draymond Green, keeping the core that led them to multiple championships in recent years.



However, many rotational players are gone, and there are a few spots still uncovered. That’s why the Warriors are expected to make a few more signings before the new season, but we may have to wait for it.



<h2>Rumor: Warriors may not fill empty roster spots before training camp</h2>



The Warriors currently have 13 players under contract, which means they have two empty spots to fill the roster plus two open spots for two-way contracts. But according to Anthony Slater of The Athletic, the Warriors won’t sign more players before training camp:



“The remaining market is pretty dry. The Warriors are likely to take a patient wait-and-see approach before committing a guaranteed contract to somebody in that 14th slot, team sources indicated to The Athletic. If nothing appealing enough materializes before October, team sources indicate that the Warriors are comfortable putting their 14th spot up for grabs in a training camp competition among non-guaranteed candidates.”


 <div class="wp_fsn_relatedlinks" use="ALSO" link="https://bolavip.com/en/nba/warriors-sign-former-nba-champion-as-stephen-curry-backup-20230704-BUS-22667.html" image="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https%3A%2F%2Fimages.bolavip.com%2Fwebp%2Fen%2Ffull%2FBUS_20230704_BUS_22667_Stephen-Curry.webp&amp;width=200&amp;height=200" excerpt="With Donte DiVincenzo and Ty Jerome gone, the Golden State Warriors have signed a former NBA champion to backup Stephen Curry.
" title="Warriors sign former NBA champion as Stephen Curry backup" publication_id="BUS#20230704#BUS#22667"></div>


The biggest names are no longer available, and those who are still in the open market don’t seem to be so attractive for the Warriors. Therefore, we’ll probably have to wait to know Curry’s new teammates next season.

NBA Rumors: Warriors may have made a decision about landing new teammates for Stephen Curry

NBA Rumors: Warriors may have made a decision about landing new teammates for Stephen Curry - Bolavip US

Following the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/los-angeles-lakers">Los Angeles Lakers</a>‘ elimination from the 2023 <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/nba">NBA</a> playoffs at the hands of eventual champions Denver Nuggets, <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/lebron-james">LeBron James</a> shockingly suggested he would contemplate retirement this offseason.



Of course, his comments made a lot of noise in the basketball community, but one could understand him. After all, he’s been in the league for 20 years now, and the last few seasons have been exhausting. 



However, it’s also true that it would be a shame for him to retire just when the Lakers are getting back on their feet. Fortunately, James’ agent Rich Paul let fans know his client and close friend might be preparing to come back for a 21st season.



<h2>LeBron James would be back next season</h2>



In an appearance on Sirius XM NBA Radio, Paul said he sees James playing well over his 40s, and he also revealed that The King texted him shortly after the loss to the Nuggets and looked ‘motivated to get back there’.



“What does that put him at, five or six more years? He’s one guy that I’m not gonna say no about. I think it’s important to understand what really motivates him. I know it, obviously I’ve been around him for so long I can probably tell you what his day probably looks like without even talking to him. And as long as his mind is there, as long as he’s still excited about playing the game, in addition to the health, absolutely,” Paul said, via Lakers Nation. “I always tease him I say, ‘If your athleticism went away, you’d just be Karl Malone it’s fine. You can pick-and-pop, shoot the jumper, make the right read.’ He can literally play for as long as he wants to and at this point obviously he’s not playing for finances, he’s playing because he loves the game.



“I think this summer, we saw how the season ended. We saw them basically trying to make the playoffs for two and a half months. And then to get to the Western Conference Finals, which was unbelievable in itself, but for someone who’s always playing for championships it wasn’t obviously good enough. But then you saw how he ended the season and him making the comment ‘having a lot to think about,’ and then two weeks later he’s texting me because he’s motivated to get back out there. So that’s the roller coaster that you go on when you’ve been someone who has come in this league with such high expectations and exceeded them.



“… He’s had an unbelievable journey and I’m impressed with the fact that he still loves it, I really am. It’s a sight to see and I think people will miss him when he does stop playing, obviously the talk shows will have a ton of things to talk about, or maybe not. But you just never know, you really never know. So I just try and enjoy every moment.”


 <div class="wp_fsn_relatedlinks" use="ALSO" link="https://bolavip.com/en/nba/nba-news-lebron-james-officially-has-four-new-teammates-at-lakers-20230707-BUS-24856.html" image="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https%3A%2F%2Fimages.bolavip.com%2Fwebp%2Fen%2Ffull%2FBUS_20230707_BUS_24856_LeBron-James-1-1.webp&amp;width=200&amp;height=200" excerpt="After making the NBA Conference Finals last season, the Los Angeles Lakers have officially announced new players that will try and help LeBron James.
" title="NBA News: LeBron James officially has four new teammates at Lakers" publication_id="BUS#20230707#BUS#24856"></div>


The Lakers have been busy this offseason trying to improve the team, and they seem to count on James for next season. Time will tell us, but even at 38, it might be a little early for The King to call it a career.

NBA Rumors: Rich Paul suggests LeBron James may come back to Lakers despite retirement speculation

NBA Rumors: Rich Paul suggests LeBron James may come back to Lakers despite retirement speculation - Bolavip US

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