The Miami Heat had a rollercoaster season this year, to say the least.
For starters, Jimmy Butler was at the center of a dramatic trade controversy that saw him sent to the Golden State Warriors. Despite the Butler controversy hovering over the squad like a black cloud, they advanced to the playoffs as the No. 10 seed after battling through the NBA Play-In Tournament.
However, the squad was humbled in the first round by the Cleveland Cavaliers, sweeping in the NBA’s most lopsided series in playoff history.
Following the loss, team president Pat Riley hinted at significant personnel changes coming in the offseason, but little transpired during the first few days of free agency. The most interesting piece of news was their connection to three-time NBA All-Star Bradley Beal, who the Phoenix Suns are set to pay to leave the organization.
Riley took a significant step in response to growing fan dissatisfaction.
On Monday, ESPN’s Shams Charania reported on a three-team transaction involving the Heat, Utah Jazz, and Los Angeles Clippers, in which the Heat traded an aging Kevin Love and Kyler Anderson for Norman Powell.
Riley’s surprising decision has supporters congratulating him, with some claiming he was the clear winner of the exchange.
“Traded away two bench guys for a 20-point-per-game scorer with 40% from three expiring One fan commented, “You cooked on this one, Pat Riley, well done. You opened up a roster spot and set yourself to clear your books even more next offseason.”
“Pat Riley actually cooked we just got Norman Powell for free,” followed by a second.
“Kyle Anderson, Kevin Love, and a second-round pick for Norman Powell…. I need to give credit where it’s due…… “Pat Riley fleeced them,” said another.
“Pat Riley traded bench players for a starter who averaged 22 points on 48/42/80% shooting last season 🥲,”
With Powell in the mix, the Heat could finish up as one of the favorites in a weak East.
Fans are on the edge of their seats now that Riley has woken up and is ready to take action.
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