The Miami Heat may be close to acquiring a long-time dream target.
The Miami Heat haven't just hit a wall, but have completely fallen on their faces. After starting the season on a hot note, looking to be one of the best teams in the Eastern Conference, and then suffering a four-game losing streak, it shows two different sides. They had one of the best and most efficient offenses in the league, but production has dropped significantly.
In the previous four games, the Heat are averaging 108 points per game, which ranks 27th in the league, while shooting 45.4 percent from the field, 22nd, and 29.2 percent from three-point range, 29th. Another reason for the recent struggles has been the pace. Their identity revolved around getting up and down the court faster than ever before, especially after being ranked at the bottom over the last six years, but in the midst of this four-game losing streak, it's dipped to eighth in the league, tied with the Denver Nuggets.
After last night's loss to the Orlando Magic, in which the Heat blew a first-quarter 16-point lead, Norman Powell alluded to opponents' scouting reports being the reason for the latest slump:
"We're all on everybody's scouting report and how we want to play," he said. "The pace, trying to slow us down. We have to do our jobs better to make it easier for everybody else. Individually, we can all be better and how we navigate the offense."
The scouting is a given, but it's not like the Heat's fast offense was a secret to the rest of the league. It's been, arguably, the biggest highlight of their season.
It's moments such as these that can force an organization to re-evaluate the roster and consider changes. It's been reported that the Heat have held "internal discussions" about trading for Memphis Grizzlies All-Star Ja Morant. However, there may be a bigger whale in the ocean to fish for.
There are clear frustrations with Milwaukee Bucks superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo about the current state of the season. The team sits with a 10-15 record, tenth in the Eastern Conference standings. They suffered a loss to the 3-19 Washington Wizards on Monday night, Dec. 1st.
It was recently reported that the former Finals MVP requested a trade, specifically to the New York Knicks, during the summer, but nothing serious materialized:
"The Bucks called the Knicks and asked for an offer for Giannis," Brian Windhorst said. "Giannis said, 'I want to be a Knick.' He asked to be traded already."
Afterwards, a separate report indicates that Antetokounmpo and his agent, Alex Saratsis, have commenced "open conversations" about the realistic future of the 31-year-old superstar. It's worth noting that he's missed the previous two games due to a right calf strain and is expected to be sidelined for two to four weeks. Regardless, teams are lined up to make an offer for the nine-time All-Star if made available on the trade market.
In a recent episode of "Run It Back," part of the FanDuel TV network, league insider Sam Amick believes the Heat would be an "interesting" situation for Antetokounmpo:
"We know the culture, we know their appetite to go out and get star players, especially in a time when they're not at a title-contending status," he said. "They have a lot of good things going for them. The culture is intact. We know the interest is there and if you're Giannis, there [was] so much smoke in the past about him and the Warriors, for example. I don't know that he's looking to go that direction and I think Miami could be a great fit. If the Knicks thing is too hard to execute, and Brooklyn being as much of a mess as they are, then maybe he looks at Miami and tries to make that work."
It will take a massive load of assets to spark a conversation with the Bucks front office for a superstar-caliber player who is still in his prime. The Orlando Magic sacrificed four unprotected first-round picks for Desmond Bane and the Knicks shipped five first-rounders.
The Heat don't have enough draft assets, but could work towards a multi-team trade to make up for it. They also have some expiring contracts that could be valuable and young, talented players. However, what could be conflicting is whether or not Terry Rozier's expiring salary could be utilized in a potential deal. It was recently reported that the organization would operate as if it could, despite the lack of clarity from the league.
It's worth noting that if Antetokounmpo isn't traded by the deadline, then there's a strong chance it happens next summer. The Heat will likely keep tabs on the situation regardless of which direction it goes with plans to pursue.
More Miami Heat News:
- "LeBron James Shares His True 'Peak' Over Heat Tenure"
- "Heat Remain Blindsided By Terry Rozier's Contract"
- "Heat Reportedly Expressed 'Internal' Interest In Former Lottery Star"