ASK IRA: Could Doncic, Antetokounmpo take the money and run (to the Heat)?
Q: Ira, if Luka Doncic became available do you think Miami would part with Bam Adebayo to acquire Doncic in a trade? —Anthony, Raleigh, N.C.
A: First things first, which means Luka Doncic will move forward with his maximum extension with the Mavericks. Amid the league’s wave of injuries and illnesses, that simply is too much money to leave on the table, just as it was for Giannis Antetokounmpo in November. But he’s where the Mavericks’ front-office (and coaching) chaos comes into play, just as it does with the Bucks’ playoff struggles: Just because a player accepts an extension from a team doesn’t mean he can’t then make things uncomfortable enough to grease the skids for a trade. The Mavericks that Doncic left at season’s end will, for better or worse, look different next season. Similarly, after all these years of playoff desperation, Giannis would be no different than so many other elite stars to start wondering about grass being greener elsewhere. And that is where a team such as the Heat (or another team) could potentially pounce. Neither the Bucks nor the Mavericks are particularly known for landing A-list free agents. So if things get sideways enough, a trade, even with their superstars locked into long-term deals, could be possible. For the Heat that means this: making themselves as attractive as possible to a star looking for greener pastures.
Q: Might Jimmy Butler be willing to take less (insert Dwyane Wade) so the team has more money to spend on acquiring more talent? — Rodney, Sarasota.
A: No. That NBA era seemingly has come to an end. The problem with the NBA establishing maximum contracts and maximum extensions is that players expect the maximum, as if anything less would be an insult. Yes, there was a time when it was a step that star players would take toward team building. But that was then. Now, it’s, “Show me the max.”
Q: I don’t care what anybody says, but Solomon Hill is a good luck charm. — Nelly.
A: For the Hawks this season, and for the Heat last season? Yes. For LeBron James this season? Not so much. But a constant with Solomon Hill is the respect he receives from teammates. He is a strong presence in locker room and occasionally has his moments on the court.
