Heat in the mixed of Leonard
Miami one of several teams likely to be vying for services of Spurs star.
The biggest name on the NBA free-agent market this summer is the biggest name in the sport — LeBron James.
But with fewer teams having the flexibility to spend in free agency, the trade market appears the way to go this summer for an upgrade. And the list of disgruntled or underperforming stars possibly hitting the open market continues to grow.
Already we have heard reports of John Wall and Bradley Beal, DeMar DeRozan and Kyle Lowry, C.J. McCollum, Kemba Walker, Russell Westbrook and Andrew Wiggins among those who could be dealt. But the name causing the most buzz is a two-time AllNBA first teamer and two-time Defensive Player of the Year.
Kawhi Leonard, the San Antonio Spurs superstar, reportedly wants out after a bizarre season in which he distanced himself from the team while playing just nine games because of a quad injury. The possibility of the 6-foot-7, small forward on the market has led to a frenzy of reports and possible trade partners.
The Miami Heat have their own challenges as they attempt to upgrade the roster. Pat Riley is open for business … well, as much as he’s ever been after pro-
claiming that nobody on the roster is “untouchable.” The Heat have been part of the Leonard rumors, but with a starless roster filled with long-term contracts, they would appear to be on the outside looking in when it comes to Leonard. The Spurs, if they are unable to repair the relationship, cer- tainly will attempt to maximize the return by playing offers off of one another.
If Leonard is moved, the Spurs reportedly prefer it to be out of the Western Conference. Proposed Leonard trades are everywhere. Here are a few, some with modifications, to show you what the Heat could be up against.
Miami: Goran Dragic, Josh Richardson, Justise Winslow, Bam Adebayo, 2019 firstround pick. The Heat also receive point guard Patty Mills.
The salaries match up, but the Heat are giving up all of their young talent in Richardson, Winslow and Adebayo along with their only All-Star. And if the Heat are going to part with any of their younger players, wouldn’t it be to dump the salary of either Hassan Whiteside or Tyler Johnson?
Then again, how often does a “transf o rmative player” like Leonard become available?
Boston: Kyrie Irving. Boston: Jaylen Brown or Jayson Tatum, Terry Rozier, one of their picks (the Celt- ics could have three firstround picks in the 2019 draft: Sacramento’s, the Clippers’ if it is No. 15 or later, and Memphis’ if it is No. 9 or later). The Celtics would also receive Mills.
Philadelphia: Markelle Fultz, Dario Saric, Lakers’ 2018 first-round pick (No. 10 before the lottery. If pick goes to No. 2 or 3, then it becomes Boston’s).
Washington: Bradley Beal, Kelly Oubre Jr. (or pos- sibly Otto Porter), 2018 first- round pick (No. 15).
Milwaukee: Malcolm Brogdon, Khris Middleton, Thon Maker, 2018 first-round pick (No. 17). Bucks would also receive Mills.
The Heat have been part of the Leonard rumors, but with a starless roster filled with longterm contracts, they would appear to be on the outside looking in.
Toronto: DeMar DeRozan, OG Anunoby, 2019 firstround pick. The Raptors would also receive Rudy Gay.
Cleveland: Jordan Clark- son, Kyle Korver, George Hill, Nets’ 2018 first-round pick (No. 8 before lottery). Cavs would also receive Mills.
The Spurs are going to seek the best possible pack- age, so if they must look in the West, here are some options:
Lakers: Brandon Ingram, Josh Hart or Kyle Kuzma, 2019 first-round pick.
Portland: CJ McCollum, 2018 (No. 24) or 2019 firstround pick.
Minnesota: Andrew Wiggins, Tyus Jones, 2019 firstround pick. Timberwolves would also receive Mills.
Clippers: Tobias Harris, Patrick Beverly, 2019 firstround pick (Clippers own the Nos. 12 and 13 picks before lottery).
Phoenix: Josh Jackson, Dragan Bender, Heat’s 2018 first-round pick (No. 16.) and/ or Suns’ 2019 first-round pick.
Some of these deals would have to be supplemented by other salaries.
So, there you have it. Where do the Heat stand? One thing not in their favor is that several of those proposed deals include a star player or very attractive draft pick, neither of which the Heat have.
But, who knows? So much of this has to do with who is willing to part with these players and picks and what the Spurs really think of the Heat’s young talent.