If the pursuit of Giannis Antetokounmpo stalls, Pat Riley could pivot toward Kawhi Leonard or Ja Morant to revitalize the Miami Heat's roster despite significant concerns regarding player availability.
Miami, FL. – It’s beyond a secret that the Miami Heat are doing everything it takes to land Giannis Antetokounmpo in a trade. They have the assets and flexibility to get a deal done, but if the Damian Lillard situation from 2023 revealed anything, it’s that nothing is guaranteed. Despite all signs pointing to Antetokounmpo moving down to South Florida, it doesn’t hurt to have a backup plan.
The lack of star power on the roster needs addressing, especially to return to title contention. According to Sun Sentinel’s Ira Winderman, the Heat could pivot towards Kawhi Leonard or Ja Morant if unable to secure Antetokounmpo. Despite unique talents, both have a similar issue: lack of availability.
Leonard is a two-time champion, a two-time Finals MVP, a seven-time All-Star, a two-time Defensive Player of the Year, and has made seven All-NBA teams, but since suffering an infamous ankle injury in 2017 against the Golden State Warriors, the future Hall of Famer has been inconsistent in simply playing on the court. The 34-year-old has yet to appear in 70 games throughout the regular season since then.
Despite being regarded as one of the best players in league history, it would still be considered a huge risk to go after Leonard. He’s coming off a positive season: 27.9 points on 50.5 percent shooting, 38.7 percent from behind the arc, 6.4 rebounds, 3.6 assists, and 1.9 steals, starting in 65 games. Leonard is entering the final year of a three-year, $149.51 million contract, set to make $50.3 million for the 2026-27 season. He would have leverage in any trade conversations the Los Angeles Clippers have, including destination.
The Heat would’ve been a great destination for Leonard during 2019’s free agency, but if franchise President Pat Riley is going to monitor the number of games played for every potential trade candidate, as mentioned at the end-of-season press conference, the seven-time All-Defensive forward might not be a suitable option.
However, Morant doesn’t present a pleasant case either.
Despite only being 26 years old, he hasn’t played in at least 55 regular-season games since 2023. Morant has battled through several injuries, especially in the lower leg areas. As a player who relies on athleticism, the former second pick of the 2020 Draft doesn’t pose as a promising piece for the future.
Morant enters the second-to-final year of a five-year, $197.23 million contract. He’s set to make $42.17 million for the 2026-27 season, $44.89 million the following year. The price might be heavier than Leonard.
It’s a make-or-break summer for the Heat to land Antetokounmpo.
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