Day: October 9, 2023

The Portland Trail Blazers were not interested in a trade for Damian Lillard built around Tyler Herro, so he is remaining with the Miami Heat in Year 1 of a four-year, $120 million contract extension.

“I didn’t want to go to Portland, so I’m glad Portland didn’t want me,” Herro said in a tone more of resignation to an offseason of doubt. “I just don’t want to be in Portland. So it’s not personal with Portland, at all.

“I’m just happy to be on the court. I haven’t played since April. I broke my hand and I haven’t played since then, so I’m ready to play.”

The value of Herro to the Heat came into question as they went on a run to the Finals without him in the lineup.

“My value maybe has decreased in people’s eyes,” he said, “but I’m a better player than I was last year, so there’s no way my value has decreased.”

The Chicago Bulls have received trade interest on Zach LaVine, but no team has been willing to meet their “large asking price,” sources tell Jamal Collier of ESPN.

LaVine is owed $129 million over the next three seasons and holds a $48.9 million player option for 26-27.

LaVine says being the subject of trade speculation has not bothered him.

“My camp isn’t putting them out,” LaVine said. “I committed to the Bulls when I signed my five-year deal. So until I’m not, I’m committed to the Bulls. I’ve always brought professionalism and consistent play, and that’s what I’ll continue to do.

“I love Chicago; I’ve always wanted to be in a place that wanted me, and Chicago showed me that. But obviously trade rumors are part of the business. Are they wanted? No. But I’m a grown man, I’ve been traded before. I know how to deal with them. You have to take it that way; it’s a business, so I don’t get too upset.”

DeMar DeRozan and the Chicago Bulls have held preliminary talks on a contract extension, sources tell Jamal Collier of ESPN.

The Bulls initially reached out to DeRozan with interest on a long-term deal.

The Bulls acquired DeRozan from the San Antonio Spurs on a three-year, $85 million sign-and-trade during the 2021 offseason. DeRozan has outplayed the contract by remaining one of the league’s best scoring wings. If DeRozan doesn’t sign an extension, he will become a free agent in 2024.