NEWSLETTER
The Miami Heat may not walk away from the NBA Finals victorious, but that doesn’t mean they will not come out on top.
After a bounce-back campaign for the franchise, thanks to Jimmy Butler and a strong supporting cast, organizations around the league will have to keep a close eye on the Heat.
According to The Ringers Kevin O’Connor, there is a strong sense in league circles that more and more players might be saying, “I’m taking my talents to south beach.”
Front office executives around the league believe the Heat have become the league’s top destination for the next star with a wandering eye. Maybe it will be a free agent. Or maybe a player under contract who will seek a trade in 2021, since the Heat have good young players who could be traded in addition to first-round picks in 2025, 2026, and 2027. Keep in mind: Miami emptied the draft pick cupboard to acquire LeBron and Bosh 10 years ago. Who knows what could happen in the coming years with Houston, Indiana, Philadelphia, Washington, or any other team facing a crossroads.
Here we go again. I hope you’re ready for the Miami superteam 2.0.
I don’t think any of us deem this news as shocking, especially when we consider the fact that Miami has felt like a rather solid free-agent destination prior to this season’s success. Warm weather, plenty of nightlife, a top head coach, and an iconic front office leader (plus no income tax in Florida) … what more can you ask for if you’re a young superstar in the NBA?
With Butler under contract, though, and a handful of intriguing young pieces, it does certainly feel like the interest in Miami could have gone up a level for some players. I think the question we have to ask now is simply how fast can the Heat add their next superstar? The free agency period in 2021 feels like the most likely scenario, but who’s to say the Heat don’t get something done before that? The NBA is no stranger to shocking us with a trade or two. Not to mention, it might actually be in the Heat’s best interest to become the aggressor. With an angry Giannis Antetokounmpo on the Bucks, a Kevin Durant-Kyrie Irving duo on the Nets, and a Jayson Tatum-led trio on the Celtics, the path to another NBA Finals appearance will only get harder for the Heat. Oh, my bad, and they’ll have to go through the rejuvenated and mighty Bulls!!!!!
Anyway, this Heat team isn’t going away any time soon, and they’ll be an important group to keep an eye on in this Eastern Conference.
