NBA expert Emily Austin talks Damian Lillard, James Harden and other offseason storylines

Emily Austin, host of 'The Hoop Chat,' talks Damian Lillard, James Harden and more NBA offseason storylines.

The NBA offseason produced some interesting storylines in its first week with Damian Lillard requesting a trade from the Portland Trail Blazers and James Harden opting into his deal with the Philadelphia 76ers and reportedly also requesting a trade.

Emily Austin, host of "The Hoop Chat," talked to Fox News Digital about the NBA offseason and offered her take on some of the hot topics ahead of next season, including what she thinks will happen with Lillard and a possible trade to the Miami Heat.

"I don’t see a scenario where Miami can put up a package that will satisfy the Blazers," Austin told Fox News Digital in a recent interview. 

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Damian Lillard of the Portland Trail Blazers controls the ball during the second half against the Utah Jazz at Vivint Arena March 22, 2023, in Salt Lake City. (Alex Goodlett/Getty Images)

"They’ve already expressed they're not interested in Tyler Herro, and if the Miami Heat are going to give up a Bam (Adebayo) or a Jimmy (Butler) or a key role player to the team in exchange for another star – I call it a star swap — what did you accomplish by that? I feel like that will defeat the entire purpose of the Heat running for a championship. 

"If you give up a superstar for Damian Lillard, I feel like it’s an equal trade and it was pointless. If they could come up with a package, which I’ve seen has been in the works, but it’s not ‘satisfying’ the Blazers, they’re gonna have to think of a third team that could help make this happen."

Damian Lillard of the Portland Trail Blazers during the third quarter against the Golden State