Q: Why are you writing about who the Heat can trade? We’ve made a lot of moves this summer. Let’s first see how it fits. – Marlon.
A: The piece about Pelle Larsson standing as the lone player on the roster who can’t be traded this season was to point out that quirk in his extension, not to suggest that anyone should be dealt at the moment. If anything, trade speculation is moot at this stage, with players signed as a free agents this summer ineligible to be dealt until Dec. 15, at the earliest. And I agree that you first take stock before moving on, which is why it makes sense for the Heat to hold onto their remaining cap space below their hard cap to first assess where they stand with those in place, before considering the optimal areas for upgrade. Even with Pelle off limits when it comes to trades, there are ample tradeable contracts on the payroll. In that regard, it will be interesting to see the fits with Bobby Portis Jr. and Nikola Jovic, since they are, in some ways, at least positionally, potentially redundant.
Q: With regard to Pelle Larsson’s trade ineligibility this season, I think he, out of all the recent Heat developmental players who have had contract extensions, will probably live up to and possibly exceed his contract expectations. The kid’s got game, and he would be a starter on several NBA teams. – Rodney.
A: As stated here previously, there is no issue with the amount or length of Pelle Larsson’s extension. However, let’s also not overstate. While Pelle is a quality complementary component, and while he has started 62 games for the Heat over his two seasons, he still has to prove he can be a starter on a contender. He hasn’t gotten there yet.
Q: Ira, how can The Ringer have us ranked No. 17? – Georges.
A: Because they have a right to their opinion? With the East so competitive, it is possible that three or four wins could separate five or six seeds. So forecasting where the Heat might finish means forecasting a wide variety of unforecastable variables. If healthy and able to find consistent scoring, the Heat could far surpass such a forecast. With injuries or having to pay the price of lacking playmakers, and middle of the pack also could be possible. So, yes, could be play-in. Or could be finally getting that week off before the playoffs.