With Klay Thompson secured, the Miami Heat are reportedly considering Nick Richards, Gabe Vincent and Keshad Johnson for the 14th roster spot. But is there a more ambitious move to help the Heat compete against the New York Knicks and Philadelphia 76ers — the co-favorites to win the East?
A blockbuster Heat trade idea would see the franchise part with two starters, Andrew Wiggins and Davion Mitchell, to land 9-time All-Star Kyrie Irving, who missed all of last season recovering from an ACL injury. The risky move would allow the Heat to form a new Super Team comprising Giannis Antetokounmpo, Bam Adebayo, Klay Thompson and Irving — three of whom are former NBA champions.
Miami Heat Trade Pitch for Kyrie Irving
Heat would receive: Kyrie Irving, Sergio De Larrea
Mavericks would receive: Andrew Wiggins, Davion Mitchell
Why the Heat Do It
Losing Wiggins and Mitchell would hurt the Miami Heat’s perimeter defense. But adding Irving would significantly bolster the offense. The risk here outweighs the reward, considering that Irving would bring a different dynamic to a Heat offense that could use a lot more shooting and dribble-penetration.
As presently constructed, the Heat could grapple with serious spacing issues, especially if Adebayo’s shot isn’t falling, and Antetokounmpo is forced to go through a wall. Granted Klay Thompson will help in this regard, but the 36-year-old former Splash Brother is no longer the elite sharpshooter who can flip a game on its head.
Most of all, the move would allow the Heat to get a certified closer and late-game decisionmaker. Antetokounmpo, who has struggled to close out games in the past due to his lack of jumper, could thrive in a two-man game with Irving, who has the ability to break down the best of defenses with his elite ball-handling skills.
Why the Mavericks Do It
Irving holds a $42M player option for next season and is extension-eligible, but the Mavericks may hesitate to commit given his recent injuries.
Dallas appears focused on building around a young core — headlined by Cooper Flagg, Zaccharie Risacher, Dereck Lively II, Morez Johnson Jr., John Poulakidas and Moussa Cisse — and could look to move off veterans like Irving, P.J. Washington, and Daniel Gafford from their 2024 Finals run. That would explain why they already bought out Klay Thompson’s contract, allowing the veteran to pursue another championship. Perhaps they could afford a similar favor to Irving, who turns 35 in March.
Neither Wiggins nor Mitchell would be risky additions. Both players will be unrestricted free agents next year, allowing the Mavericks to let them walk if they don’t prove to be good fits. In the meantime, they can inject veteran presence to the youthful Mavs.
Miami Heat Predicted to Trade for Kyrie Irving to Complete Super Team