Miami is turning their attention to a Norman Powell sign-and trade and a Jovic trade:
“Nikola Jovic, his deal is definitely put out there on the trade market… in addition to trying to sign-and-trade Norman Powell to a different destination.”
Dru led the Heat this past season in steals per game and total steals …
… While only playing 16.3 (❗️) minutes per game and only starting one single game all year
I almost gave Tim Hardaway Jr. No. 10 before I remembered Tim Hardaway Sr. made it clear years ago that wouldn't happen if his son ever played for the HEAT. 😂
"I've been trying to get him in the Heat jersey and he will not be wearing my number if he gets on the Heat team. He will not be wearing my number, do you understand me? That number is never coming down. You are not going to wear my jersey."
— Tim Hardaway Sr. (@theOGsShow)
With regard to the Heat report by the very hard-working @TheSteinLine and @JakeLFischer , I can confirm there will be Heat interest in Tim Hardaway Jr. when free agency begins Tuesday night, per a source. This would be a very sensible marriage if it happens... With regard to Mike Conley, he has received some consideration internally. But there are some internally who would prefer going a younger route.
For those asking about Anfernee Simons in the wake of Bobby Marks saying he would be perfect fit at the minimum for Heat, feedback I've received is that he will enter free agency looking for more than that, understandably (averaged 14.9 ppg, 38.1 on 3s in career). There are always players who fall through cracks and take minimums (like Hardaway with Denver last year, Oubre with 76ers two years ago, etc. etc.). Heat will be poised to pounce if the right player falls through the cracks.
Nikola Jovic asked if he sees himself in the rotation this season after Giannis trade:
“I don’t know. I mean, if I look at our roster right now, we only have eight players.
That’s basically everyone. We haven’t even brought in the strength coaches yet or set everything up with the physical therapists. Everything is still coming together.
But that’s just how it is. A player like Giannis is simply worth that much.
Like I said, right now we have eight players. Of those eight, the bigger guys would be Bam, Giannis, me, and Bobby Portis.
None of us is really a traditional center, a true five. So it would definitely be different.
But from Miami’s perspective, I understand it.
Erik Spoelstra is really chasing that aggressive, switch-everything defensive style. I saw some statistics showing that no matter what roster he has, his teams always end up being among the best defenses.
That’s his number one priority.
And if you have Bam, who can guard anyone, and Giannis, who can guard anyone, I think that’s exactly what he’d want.”
(Via 6.75range)
Giannis Antetokounmpo has ranked in the 96th percentile or better in transition points per 100 added the last three seasons (CTG).
Heat have been 18th or worse in transition ORTG in three of the last four season.
Will be a huge boost in that department.
The Miami Heat are prioritizing Tim Hardaway Jr. and Mike Conley Jr. in free agency, per @TheSteinLine & @JakeLFischer
“Free agents Miami is expected to target with its very limited financial flexibility after its blockbuster deal to acquire Giannis Antetokounmpo from Milwaukee? We've heard two names all morning. League sources say that the Heat will have strong interest in the veteran duo of Tim Hardaway Jr. and Mike Conley Jr.”
(Via https://t.co/bdHRV0y4b8)
Nikola Jovic on being in trade rumors:
“Ever since I arrived in Miami, I have been in trade rumors for Kevin Durant twice. For Kyrie Irving twice. For Damian Lillard. And now most recently, I was in there for Giannis. I have been in seven or eight trade rumors already. Me and my brother Tyler Herro. What he has endured, it is nowhere else! In the end, he didn’t survive, but I mean, he survived a long time. He truly was in every single trade rumor, every single one, which surely is not easy. You play for a club and you read this, and you are one of the main players. You are a young player on the rise, truly an incredible, great guy and an incredible player, but you read every summer: 'He is not good enough. We need someone new and a bigger star.' It surely was not easy for him.”
(via 6.75range)
Landry Shamet, Anfernee Simons and Quentin Grimes are potential options for the Miami Heat, per @flasportsbuzz
“The Heat is expected to try to add at least two skilled three-point shooters in free agency. Other options, listed here, include Landry Shamet, Anfernee Simons and Quentin Grimes, among others.”
(Via https://t.co/Yen8hNxNYi)
NEW: Tim Hardaway Jr. is among a select group of shooters very much on Heat's radar,with free agency beginning Tuesday at 6
https://t.co/1bVkI6fhwr
How much of the mid-level exception will be available to Miami will receive clarity when Wiggins makes decision by Monday deadline
Zach LaVine could be a name to keep an eye on for Miami:
- Sacramento remains a near 2nd apron team and could waive and stretch LaVine to massively reduce their cap sheets without giving up any assets in a trade.
- In 2024, LaVine listed Miami atop his 5 preferred destinations along with Sacramento, LA, Philadelphia, and San Antonio.
- Miami could create sufficient cap space to offer him the full $15M MLE by a Wiggins paycut of around $6M or by a salary dump of Nikola Jovic.
- Zach is a Rich Paul client who recently hinted at the Heat adding a $30/40M player for around $15/20M. Don’t be surprised if Rich wants his guy out of SAC
- Sam Amick also said Rich Paul could be exploring all options with his client and could possibly take less money on his next contract
While the LeBron watch is definitely on, just keep an eye on Zach Lavine’s future as well.