ASK IRA: Do Heat have to accept they are on Jazz, Nets trading schedules?
Q: Ira, unlike many, I am not disappointed by the Heat not having any signings. I look as them having several options: Obtain a star like Donovan Mitchell or Kevin Durant without trading Bam Adebayo; obtain a guy like Myles Turner who fills a gaping hole and whose game complements Bam; go into the season with what they have but being ready for the opportunity to bring in a star as guys’ stock go up (Duncan Robinson, Tyler Herro, Max Strus, Omer Yurtseven) – Carl.
A: Exactly. While the NBA has several trigger dates that lend themselves to moves, such as the July 1 start of free agency, the Dec. 15 lifting of the trade restrictions on most free agents signed in the offseason, and the February NBA trading deadline, being nimble often can be the key. So study and prepare for all possibilities, then pounce when optimal. I don’t think Andy Elisburg’s cell phone has an off button. So for now, the Heat personnel department remains vigilant and on call. Besides, if the Nets do decide to deal Kevin Durant or the Jazz opt to move Donovan Mitchell, it’s likely both teams first cycle back to the Heat to ferret out the best possible deal.
Q: Hi Ira, I’m of the mind that we would be better off trading for someone like Donovan Mitchell rather than gutting our entire future (Bam Adebayo, Tyler Herro, picks) for Kevin Durant. The Heat got within two wins of a championship and a couple of minutes from returning to the Finals this year. They don’t need the best scorer (ever?). What they could use is one more scoring threat to provide the offensive gravity like Duncan Robinson used to do but without the slowness. The Heat are in win-now mode, but that’s their story most years anyway. KD’s age and injury history is worrisome and even if Bam Adebayo and Tyler Herro don’t improve much more, adding a John Collins or Donovan Mitchell keeps our near-championship core mostly intact. Trade for KD and our power rotation becomes Omer Yurtseven and Caleb Martin? Haywood Highsmith and Dewayne Dedmon? – Eddie, South Bend, Ind.
A: But that’s how this league operates, that to get an elite player, just about everything has to be on the table. That’s why the Heat went all in with Lamar Odom, Brian Grant, Caron Butler and a first-round pick for Shaquille O’Neal. It is easier to fill holes when those voids are surrounded by greatness.
Q: Isn’t there a big advantage to letting Tyler Herro become a restricted free agent by not finalizing an extension? It seems that would give the Heat the most flexibility for trades. And as a restricted free agent, the Heat can just match any offers next summer just like the Suns just did with Deandre Ayton. Perhaps no extension would also motivate Tyler to elevate his game. – Jordan, Hollywood.
A: Yes there is an advantage, mostly for the reality that it would allow the market to set the price. But there also is the matter of building good will if you believe the player can be a cornerstone. That clearly was the Heat’s thinking with Bam Adebayo. So the approach was swift. So with Tyler Herro, it could come down to whether the Heat feel the same way.
