Butler serves notice: A steep drop-off at SG

During the Boston Celtics closeout Game 5 victory over the Miami Heat, there was some good news shared on Kristaps Porzingis. TNT sideline reporter Chris Haynes shared that Porzingis is hopeful to make a return in a couple of weeks.

“He is likely out for next series, as well. The hope is that he can make a return if the Celtics were to advance to the Eastern Conference Finals,” Hayes said about Porzingis’ absence.

Boston ruled Porzingis out for Game 5 against Miami due to a strained right soleus (calf). Porzingis came up lame during Game 4 and had to ask out. Further examinations ruled out a more serious injury, such as damage to the Achilles tendon.

Boston awaits the winner of the Cleveland Cavaliers and Orlando Magic. Cleveland can end the series with a Game 6 victory in Orlando on Friday. If the Cavs win in six games, the Eastern Conference semifinals will start in Boston on Sunday, May 5. If the Magic win to force a Game 7, the semifinals will start in Boston on Tuesday, May 7.

Trade discussions of Damian Lillard by the Portland Trail Blazers have been slow to materialize as Joe Cronin evaluates the market.

One complicating aspect of the trade is the value of Tyler Herro as the Blazers have signaled they are not interested in taking him back from the Miami Heat. Herro signed a four-year, $130 million extension with the Heat last year.

“I do think, as I talk to teams around the league, there is a framework with Miami where Portland could end up with three, four, at least several first round draft picks,” said Shams Charania on the Pat McAfee Show. “I don’t know if it will get to four. Miami has two they can trade outright. I think there are multiple teams who would trade at least one first round pick for Tyler Herro.

“So then you’re maybe looking at expiring contracts, potentially three first round picks, maybe more. Maybe other assets, swaps.”

Charania adds that this is a critical week for the Lillard trade discussions considering most of the NBA is in Las Vegas for Summer League.