The alternative scenario, reportedly, if the Miami Heat fail to land Giannis Antetokounmpo.
It's no secret that the Miami Heat have interest and are linked to Milwaukee Bucks superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo. They arguably can put together the best package that consists of young talent and draft assets. However, it wouldn't be the first time that the organization missed out on a potentially available target: Damian Lillard, Kyrie Irving, Kevin Durant twice, Bradley Beal, and James Harden are recent examples over the last five years.
Pat Riley is known to go after "whales" whether it's through the trade or free agency market. Antetokounmpo is obviously the dream acquisition, but it's just as important to consider other options if it pushes the team more towards championship contention.
The Dallas Mavericks have been one of the most disappointing teams to start the season, currently sitting with a 10-17 record, 12th in the Western Conference standings. There's no doubt throughout the organization, except for one person in the entire world, that trading superstar Luka Doncic was a horrendous and franchise-altering mistake. In the middle of it all has been former Los Angeles Lakers champion Anthony Davis.
The 32-year-old has dealt with various injuries already to start the season, appearing in 11 games thus far, averaging 20 points, 10.5 rebounds, 3.2 assists, 1.6 blocks, and 1.2 steals while shooting 51.7 percent from the field, 31.8 percent from three-point range. He's entered the first season of his three-year, $175.37 million contract, with an average annual salary of $58.46 million.
It was recently reported that if the Heat misses out on Antetokounmpo, or the former Finals MVP decides to stay with the Bucks, the attention could shift towards Davis.
"Miami, I don't believe, would really make an all-out effort right now, until they know for sure [that] Giannis is not going to be for the taking," Jake Fisher said. "However, I would not rule that out as a scenario moving forward."
There's no denying the 10-time All-Star's Hall of Fame resume, but there are certainly health concerns, including the structure of his massive contract. The Heat would need to give up a haul of assets just to match salaries, especially with the unknowns of the Terry Rozier federal case.
A deal for Davis probably wouldn't boost the organization's chances of competing for a championship. He's played in 259 games out of 328 in the previous four seasons combined. It's a heavy risk not worth taking for the Heat.
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