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LeBron James, Miami Heat
The Miami Heat entered the offseason with hopes of landing Kevin Durant via trade. Unfortunately for them, the Houston Rockets produced a better offer, and he’ll now be suiting up for Ime Udoka’s team.
Pat Riley did make a move, though, bringing in Norman Powell from the LA Clippers in a 3-team deal. Nevertheless, the Heat may still be open to acquiring a veteran star, should one become available.
That’s where LeBron James comes in. The veteran superstar is reportedly unsettled with the Los Angeles Lakers and could potentially be willing to waive his no-trade clause. If LeBron does decide to move teams for a final time, Bill Simmons believes the Heat could be the ideal trade partner.
“But they have a flexible roster for trades,” Simmons said via his “The Bill Simmons Show” podcast. “Powell is still an expiring. Fontecchio is an expiring. Highsmith is an expiring. Wiggins has a player-option for next year at $30 million. It’s not bad. It’s a situation that looks a little LeBronny. I’m just going to say it. If somebody came from a time machine and said in January or February, LeBron James will be traded, and you had to pick a team. I think Miami would be one of the teams I would think about.”
LeBron would fit Riley’s desire to add a true superstar to Miami’s rotation. He’s also well-versed in playing for the franchise, having won two championships with the team back in 2012 and 2013.
Riley Isn’t Against Adding a Veteran Talent
During a recent news conference, Riley refused to rule out trading for an aging star.
“I think an aging great player, who may not be able to carry a team together, can rise to the occasion in the playoffs,” Riley said. “…I still think that an aging player can play. Look at LeBron [James]. I mean, look at these players. It’s incredible. Players like LeBron and others who have played into their mid to late 30s and produced at a high level can help teams win championships. You have to pick out the right one, but I’m not against that, no.”
LeBron will turn 41 during the upcoming season. He’s clearly in the very final stage of his career. However, he’s still an impactful offensive player, and arguably a top-20 or top-25 talent in the NBA. This past season, he averaged 24.4 points, 7.8 rebounds, and 8.2 assists on 51.3% shooting from the field and 37.6% from deep.
Heat Could be Done Making Trades
The downside for Miami is that there’s a very real chance the front office will now stand pat until next summer. Speaking via a recent episode of the “Zaslow Show 2.0” NBA cap expert Bobby Marks explained why the Heat could choose to run with the roster they have in place.
“I mean, listen, we’re going to see probably within the next couple of days, Beal become available in free agency,” Marks said. “I think the Norman Powell move eliminates that, as far as what they need. They’re a little bit below the first apron, so they can go out and sign a minimum guy if they want to do that. But I’m not anticipating another big move.”
Nevertheless, if Miami is willing to make to chase a veteran star, and LeBron is open to leaving Los Angeles, the pairing could work out well. Still, it’s highly unlikely that scenario plays out, no matter how much NBA fans may want it to.
Adam Taylor is a basketball reporter covering the Boston Celtics and Phoenix Suns for Heavy. He has also written for CelticsBlog, USA Today, Yardbarker and FanSided. Adam has a bachelor’s degree in creative writing from Open University. More about Adam Taylor
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