Can Miami Heat Succeed By Surrounding Giannis Antetokounmpo With Aging Stars?

With LeBron James out of the picture, the Miami Heat have to turn toward Plan B. 

James had many, including the Heat brass, thinking he was leaning toward a reunion in Miami. Turns out, he had other plans because he chose to leave the Los Angeles Lakers to play for the Philadelphia 76ers. 

Now, the Heat are left scrambling to find at least one more talented player to flank alongside Giannis Antetokounmpo and Bam Adebayo. That is the only way they can compete against the heavyweights like the Philadelphia 76ers, New York Knicks, Detroit Pistons and even the Boston Celtics in the Eastern Conference. 

The pickings are slim for the Heat because they are searching so late in the summer. There have been a few reported targets but most of them are almost past their primes. 

Here's a look at some names: 

KLAY THOMPSON

There was a time when Thompson was among the best players in the NBA. That was true maybe five years or so years ago. He hasn't been the since sustaining that ACL injury a few years ago. Thompson would be beneficial if he were in a role like Ray Allen had when he ended his career. If the Heat are counting on Thompson for 15 points a game, then they are in trouble. 

BRADLEY BEAL 

It's surprising he's even in this conversation because his play has declined the past few seasons. He's had little impact since his days with the Washington Wizards as an All-Star. He's still a career 21.4 point a game scorer but not sure if he's the answer for the Heat this season. 

DEMAR DEROZAN 

He may be the best fit. The future Hall of Famer averaged 18.4 points last season for the Sacramento Kings. At 36, you have to wonder how much he has left in the tank. If he can repeat his numbers from a year ago, then the Heat are right in contention with the rest of the contenders. 

RUSSELL WESTBROOK  

He's probably in the same category as Beal. Westbrook was once one of the league's most feared players. He's turns 38 this November and we all know how Father Time is undefeated against most athletes ... unless you're LeBron James. 

MORE MIAMI HEAT NEWS 

LeBron James spurns Heat to play for 76ers

Should Miami Heat move Nikola Jovic in trade? 

Ex-Heat star Chris Bosh gives latest update on his health

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Shandel Richardson is the publisher of HeatRoundtable. He can be reached at [email protected]