Pat Riley has made some interesting decisions for the Miami Heat over the past few years, and that’s tough to ignore.
While Riley used to be one of the best in the world at his job, some have suggested that he just isn’t the same type of executive that he once was, and it’s tough to ignore that.
However, there’s a possibility that the Heat could get creative during the remainder of the offseason, and Sports Illustrated recently proposed an idea for them to do just that.
They proposed a trade idea that would reunite with a former superstar and current Los Angeles Lakers star, LeBron James.
Hawks Receive: Gabe Vincent
Heat Receive: LeBron James, Maxi Kleber, and Vit Krejci
Lakers Receive: Andrew Wiggins, Terry Rozier, Haywood Highsmith, Jaime Jaquez Jr, and an unprotected 2029 1st round pick
“They upgrade their roster with James and make a run at another title. While the roster would not be perfect, a top three of James, Bam Adebayo, and Tyler Herro is certainly a threat to win the Eastern Conference in a down season. Miami is not losing out on any long-term piece either. Rozier did not play towards the end of the season for them, Jaquez had a really down second season, and Wiggins is on an expiring contract and not likely to be a long-term player in Miami. Losing the pick could hurt, but this puts the Heat in a position to contend in the Eastern Conference,” SI wrote.
A Potential Homecoming for LeBron
Trading for James would be intriguing for the simple fact that he’s one of the greatest to ever lace them up in Miami Heat history.
While what he’s done with the Los Angeles Lakers has also been impressive, what James did with the Heat was even crazier back in the day. Many Heat fans believe that Dwyane Wade is the greatest ever to lace them up in Heat history, and that’s tough to ignore, but it’s also unfair to suggest that James hasn’t done similar things.
Would the Heat be Championship Contenders with James?
The question would remain on whether the Miami Heat would be a contender with James on the roster. The all-time great is set to be at 41 years old during December of next season, but while the Eastern Conference is a bit down due to some injuries, some believe the Heat would have a chance if they made this deal, including Sports Illustrated.
“Wiggins would fit nicely alongside Doncic and Reeves, and could even be brought back if things go well this season. Highsmith is a really good defender and might be the top perimeter defender on the Lakers instantly. Perhaps JJ Redick can get Jaquez back to the level he was playing at during his rookie season and get something out of Rozier as well as he enters the last year of his deal. The 2029 pick could be very valuable,” they wrote.
Miami always finds a way to compete, but last year wasn’t what it was looking for.
The Heat will have another opportunity to figure things out, and James could help with that. However, it’s also important to note that unless the Heat are willing to go all in for another year or two, this could further complicate things.
