Which potential teams can and cannot acquire it

Damian Lillard’s request for a trade one day into free agency has the Portland Trail Blazers on edge.

The Miami Heat, LA Clippers and Philadelphia 76ers are three teams that will have interest in exploring a Lillard trade. Lillard’s preference is to be traded to the Heat, a source told Marc J. Spears of Andscape. Lillard also has deep respect for the San Antonio Spurs organization, the sources told Shelburne.

Here’s a look at what potential suitors can offer in trade talks, who is likely off the table and the challenges each team faces. Lillard has four years and $200 million remaining on his contract.

Because of the new collective bargaining agreement, teams would have to use the 110% exception for traded players if a Lillard trade would leave them on the first or second apron. If a team is below either apron and uses the 125% exception for traded players (sending less in corresponding salary), they would not be allowed to exceed $172 million from the first apron in any transaction, including a player signing.