Eastern Conference Executive: “Franz Wagner is as white as [Tyler] Herro but I could take him over Herro’

The ongoing Damian Lillard trade talks seem to have devolved into a debate over whether Tyler Herro is better than Tyrese Maxey.

Heavy.com’s Sean Deveney looked at how the debate is being viewed through a racial lens where Herro’s white skin is somehow considered harmful. Deveney recently asked the Eastern Council’s scouting director for his thoughts on the matter.

Herro is the only top player the Miami Heat are reportedly willing to give up in any deal for Lillard. On July 1, Lillard asked to be traded from the Portland Trail Blazers after spending his entire career with the franchise.

Although Lillard is apparently only interested in playing for the Heat, the Philadelphia 76ers are also trying to sign the superstar.

Herro, Maxey and Wagner entered the NBA in a three-year span from 2019 to 2021. Herro was the 13th overall pick in the 2019 NBA Draft, Maxey was selected by the Sixers with the 21st overall pick the following year, and Wagner went to the Orlando Magic with the eighth overall pick in 2021.

In four seasons with Herro, he has averaged 17.7 points, 4.9 rebounds and 3.5 assists per game. In his time with the team, the Heat have made the playoffs twice, although he was injured for most of last season.

Maxey’s three campaigns have seen him average 15.4 points, 3.3 assists and 2.7 rebounds a contest. In contrast to the heat of the Herro era, the 76ers have yet to make it past the Eastern Conference semifinals.

Meanwhile, Wagner is averaging 16.9 points, 4.3 rebounds and 3.2 assists per contest for the Magic, who are still in rebuilding mode. In Wagner’s two seasons, the team has compiled a record of 56-108.

It’s nothing new to have Herro’s name linked to a potential trade. In previous years, his name has been linked to other potential deals, but he remains a part of the organization.

Still, the strong desire to add a prolific scorer like Lillard is likely to remain at a fever pitch. That heat could drag on, considering one report indicated the Trail Blazers are willing to drag out any trade talks to get the most assets in return.

Regardless of where Herro ends up next season, the team that hires him will likely be more focused on his production on the field than his skin color.