The Miami Heat’s star-hunting history might be put to full use as they try to overhaul an offensively challenged Heat club for the 2024-25 season. Notably, the Heat finished 21st in offence this season and clearly need another shot-creator. Let’s look at some prospective free agent targets for the Heat.
The Miami Heat’s star-hunting tradition might include two former NBA all-stars.
The Heat is On This Offseason.
The Miami Heat have a long history of pursuing big-time NBA talents over the summer. This trend is certain to continue in the coming weeks, as Pat Riley and Miami’s executive office look for ways to improve the Heat’s squad. This offseason may see a lot of player movement in the NBA. So far, the trading block has several superstars. Miami may possibly be interested in some of the big names in free agency.
Trading for a superstar, let alone a consistent All-Star, requires the Heat to be willing to give up a handful of crucial players. Any current hypothetical trade discussions seem to centre on Miami draft choices Tyler Herro and Duncan Robinson. Jimmy Butler’s name is also in the rumour mill. Riley, on the other hand, has consistently stated that he does not want to trade Butler.
The list of unrestricted free agents and players with player options includes several well-known individuals. So, in keeping with Miami Heat history, here are two lesser-known choices the team might pursue.
DeMar DeRozan, a six-time NBA All-Star and three-time All-NBA shooting guard, still has plenty of game left in him. He’s one of the league’s top midrange shooters. This past season, he averaged 24.0 points and shot 48 percent from the field. He can routinely shoot from the three-point line and into the paint.
Adding DeRozan would significantly boost Miami’s offence. His tenure with the Chicago Bulls has clearly not gone as planned, either for him or the Bulls organization. Chicago signed him to play alongside former all-star Zach LaVine. However, DeRozan never lost his scoring touch. His ability to generate his own shot while dominating the midrange might be a valuable addition to Butler and Bam Adebayo. However, one potential drawback of a DeRozan/Butler partnership is that both players excel at driving to the hoop. This element could cause spacing issues. The Heat, on the other hand, might place a higher value on the scoring threat and attempt to sign DeRozan and work out a deal.
Russell Westbrook
Russell Westbrook, a two-time NBA scoring champion, is no longer the nightly triple-double machine he was during his time with the Oklahoma City Thunder. His stint in a Los Angeles Lakers uniform was brief. As a clipper? Westbrook’s play and team impact have been both successful and good.
Westbrook presently has a four-million dollar player option. If he declines and looks elsewhere, the Miami Heat’s history is to mimic Westbrook’s moves and create their own. Not to add that Westbrook’s demeanour and playing style would be a fantastic fit for the Heat culture. Yes, his offensive powers have declined in recent years. However, he adds energy and effort to the defensive end and would be a solid backup to current Miami Heat guard Terry Rozier. Los Angeles Clippers president Lawrence Frank has expressed interest in retaining Westbrook. If that does not happen, Pat Riley should act soon on the 2016-17 MVP.
Will Miami Heat Tradition Prevail?
Much of the Miami Heat’s off-season attention will surely be focused on Butler and his contract extension. Regardless, boosting Miami’s offence is critical, as is identifying effective players who fit the Heat culture and desire to return to the NBA championship finals. DeRozan and Westbrook are two former NBA stars whom Miami might pursue.
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