ASK IRA: Could Heat face indignity of losing Nunn to Knicks?
Q: Ira, so the Heat are going to lose Kendrick Nunn to the Knicks? This season just keeps getting worse. — Evan.
A: First, until the August start of free agency, no one is losing anyone anywhere. Now, could the Knicks make a play for Kendrick Nunn? It’s within the realm, with the Knicks with ample cap space this offseason. But, even then, the Heat, should they extend the requisite qualifying offer, would have the right to match. The report that linked Knicks interest to Kendrick came from SNY’s Ian Begley, the well-sourced former ESPN personality. He referenced Nunn in relation to the three-year, $56 million deal Terry Rozier received from the Hornets in free agency during the 2019 offseason. Ultimately, as when Tyler Johnson signed his four-year, $50 million with the Nets, the Heat will have to weight the merits of matching, or not matching. Some of that will come down to the Heat’s plans otherwise with their backcourt going forward (Kyle Lowry? Victor Oladipo?). And some will come down to the number the Heat have tucked away as their limit for Kendrick.
Q: Ira, If the Heat are “bubble frauds,” what are the Lakers? They had most of their squad for a good portion their series and lost, also. The Heat were without Victor Oladipo for the whole series. He was supposedly going to provide us more offense and defense. — Rich, Plantation.
A: If there are “bubble frauds,” then there also should be “protocols frauds” when it comes to this season, considering the unnatural hurdles presented by testing and protocols, limited practice time, a shortened offseason and a compressed schedule. Losers always have excuses.
Q: Ira, Tyler Herro was in his second year and didn’t have the normal rookie experience of a full NBA season. His age, physical and mental talent make him a keeper, unless there is a deal for Bradley Beal or a similar player. They weren’t going too far this year regardless of who they played in round one, so the added rest may well be the best for all. — Dick.
A: And that’s the thing, as with the response to the question above: How much can you take out of these past two seasons for any player, in light of the unique circumstances? If ever there was a time not to rush to judgement, it is during these times.
