The Miami Heat will be pursuing a superstar this offseason. During his end-of-the-season press conference, Pat Riley went through a wide range of topics. He indicated that he will be staying with the franchise and that they will not be trading Bam Adebayo.
Miami will try to land a superstar this offseason. They will likely start by seeing what the price is for Giannis Antetokounmpo, as he is everyone’s top offseason target. If they don’t win a bidding war for Antetokounmpo, they will have to pivot to another star.
Kawhi Leonard could be traded this offseason, and ESPN has a trade proposal that would see him go to the Heat.
GettyLos Angeles Clippers forward Kawhi Leonard drives the ball. (Photo by Ron Jenkins/Getty Images)
Miami Heat Land Kawhi Leonard in Bold Trade Proposal
Here is the full trade proposal:
Miami Heat get: Kawhi Leonard, Kris Dunn
Los Angeles Clippers get: Tyler Herro, Andrew Wiggins, 2030 unprotected first, 2032 unprotected first
Any trade that the Heat make in the offseason is going to be centered around Herro. He is the best asset that the team has to work with. They tried to use him in a trade for Damian Lillard, although that did not work out as they had hoped.
Adding the two unprotected picks and Wiggins makes this deal a risky one. Leonard is an aging superstar with a history of injuries, even if he is coming off his best season. Leonard averaged just under 28 points, over six rebounds, and almost four assists this past season.
The Heat are trying to win now as Riley ages. He wants to make sure that the team is competitive. Bringing Leonard in would certainly allow them to do that, even if the cost is high. Miami had the 12th-best offense in the league in the regular season. Getting that number higher will be their goal.
GettyMiami Heat president Pat Riley waves to the crowd. (Photo by Carmen Mandato/Getty Images)
Miami Will be Active in the Offseason
Expect the Heat to be active during the offseason. They will be trying to work the trade markets the best that they can. Right now, the Heat have 12 players signed for next season. They will also have a $30.7 million cap hit for Norman Powell, which is why they might renounce his rights.
That would help clear their cap sheet a bit, although they are mostly focused on executing a trade. Signing impact free agents is unlikely to happen because of how full the cap sheet already is for the team. Miami is willing to pay a high price in a trade to get a superstar.
The Heat always try to get superstar players in the trade market. They are usually viewed as a premier destination for other players. That is why they feel so confident that they will be able to get a player to want to be traded to Miami.
Miami will need to make sure they keep enough players around Leonard if they do add him so they can compete for the playoffs.
Trade Proposal Sees Miami Heat Give up a Fortune Forward Kawhi Leonard