Long in the race for Kevin Durant, Miami has no chance now of acquiring the services of the winger. Never mind, the Floridians would still like to steal a big name in Brooklyn… this one is currently a free agent and therefore much easier to sign.
Compared to last year, the Heat’s offseason moves are non-existent to say the least. No large trade like in 2021, when Kyle Lowry landed from Toronto. No XXL signature either… It is not for lack of trying, however, given that the management of the franchise has done everything in its power to obtain Kevin Durant, notably. The interest was also mutual since the winger had indicated that South Beach would be one of his preferred destinations.
Unfortunately, the Nets did not hear it that way, systematically refusing the slightest offer from the Floridians. It must be said that the latter were at an impasse, KD wishing to evolve with the local hard core, made up of Lowry, Jimmy Butler and Bam Adebayo in particular. Except that to interest Blacks and Whites in a trade, it would be necessary to include at least one of these players… The file is now closed, Pat Riley & co. having withdrawn.
LaMarcus Aldridge, new Heat track?
Henceforth, the objective could be to obtain Donovan Mitchell which was their plan B in case of failure with the Slim Reaper. However, Miami has not entirely turned away from Brooklyn, and in particular from its free agents. As revealed by Sean Deveney of Heavy.com, the franchise is particularly eyeing LaMarcus Aldridge, who came out of retirement last year to join the New York superteam. He is still on the market and his profile could well be an asset for Erik Spoelstra’s roster:
Aldridge is now 37, so it wouldn’t be surprising if he decides to retire. But he can still score. It still has some value. He would be a good player in Boston, just like a guy who can take a few shots and step in when Robert Williams or Al Horford need a break. The Milwaukee Bucks and the Heat, too. All teams in the East, at the top of the East.
Miami needs an extra piece, a big arm that allows it to cross the course. Aldridge could take some of PJ Tucker’s minutes, although he’s obviously not on the same level as a defender. But he can shoot much better than him. Miami needs depth at this level. He won’t be a starter, but he can still help them.
Author of nearly 13 points and 6 rebounds on average in 2021-22, mostly off the bench (47 games including only 12 as a starter), the legend of the Blazers seems to still have some in the tank. His mid-range shot and his offensive fundamentals could therefore be very complementary to Adebayo, under the circle. Beware, however, of his health: if he had decided to hang up at first, it was for heart problems. It will therefore have to be monitored very closely by doctors.
Could LaMarcus Aldridge land at the Heat? Why not, since his qualities would do good to the workforce of South Beach. On top of that, it won’t cost very much, a godsend for Floridians whose finances are tight to say the least.
