There is some Heat news to discuss, despite the general lack of NBA news lately. The Heat promoted Andy Elisburg to Executive Vice President, Basketball Operations/General Manager. We will see how this affects the Heat moving forward. The Heat will also reportedly try to acquire Damian Lillard without trading away Tyler Herro. Let’s dive into the details.

Heat Off-Season Companion Part 6: The Heat Promote Andy Elisburg

Andy Elisburg is a long-time member of the Heat front office. He has been with the Heat since the franchise’s inception in 1988. Previously, Elisburg served as the Heat’s Senior Vice President, Basketball Operations/General Manager for the past 10 years.

The timing for this promotion of Andy Elisburg to Executive Vice President, Basketball Operations/General Manager is interesting. The Heat remain in negotiations with the Portland Trailblazers over a Damian Lillard trade. Hopefully, this promotion will allow Elisburg to finalize negotiations for a Damian Lillard trade.

It is also worth pointing out that Pat Riley remains the President of the Miami Heat. However, given this promotion for Elisburg, Riley may shift his focus somewhat. We will see how Elisburg’s promotion impacts the Heat.

Regardless, Elisburg is more than worthy of this promotion, given his achievements with the Miami Heat.

The Heat Will Seek to Acquire Lillard without Trading Herro

There appears to be little progress on a Damian Lillard trade to the Heat. However, we do have some more news to discuss. Reportedly, the Heat will try to trade for Damian Lillard without trading away Tyler Herro.

The Portland Trailblazers reportedly don’t want Tyler Herro. In this case, the Heat would have to trade Herro to a third team to acquire Lillard. However, given Lillard’s insistence on joining the Heat, the Heat will attempt to hold on Tyler Herro.

It is understandable why the Heat would want to retain Herro. Herro is a rising star and will be a significant part of the Heat’s future if he stays. However, it is unlikely that the Heat will be able to trade for Lillard without giving up Herro.

The Heat Continue to Pursue Lillard

The Heat will certainly continue to pursue a Damian Lillard trade. Hopefully, the Heat will make some progress on that front soon. I would still bet that Lillard ends up on the Heat before the start of next season.

Check back next week for more Miami Heat content.