Q: I’m trying not to get my hopes up, but it’s seeming more and more likely that we could end up with Giannis Antetokounmpo. It also appears Tyler Herro, Jaime Jaquez Jr. and Kel’el Ware will be gone in the deal. So where is the rest of our scoring going to come from? Certainly not Bam Adebayo on a consistent basis. Does that change the thinking on retaining Norman Powell? – Bob, Davie.
A: If Tyler Herro is included in any offseason Heat deal it almost would be a given that a Norman Powell return would be embraced. Now, that also has to take into account that Norman can become a free agent on July 1 (if not extended prior) and can sign with the team of his choice. But if Tyler is out, it would seem almost certain that Norman would be back in. Plus, if Giannis Antetokounmpo is acquired, it would throw the need for 2027 cap space out the window. So how would the Heat score with the Giannis deal you mentioned? It would start with these 2025-26 scoring averages: Giannis (27.6), Norman (21.7), Bam (20.1), Andrew Wiggins (15.4) and Davion Mitchell (9.3). That gets you to 94 points. Factor in a scoring/shooting added in the mid-level salary range (perhaps at 12 points per game) and the remainder of your bench should be able to provide enough for a quality offense.
Q: Past Heat successes are often cited as reason the Heat shouldn’t be worried about overpaying for an aging star and should have no problem building a team around said star. But looking back, is the recent Heat success really comparable to previous Pat Riley builds? As the NBA has switched from teams built through trades or free agency to a more developmental approach, it seems the Heat’s success is not equal. Those earlier Heat teams were a top-two seed eight times, but we’ve only been Top 2 once in the post-LeBron James era. Making a few deep playoff runs in a depleted East isn’t the same as what was achieved by previous Heat builds. The earlier Riley Heat builds were fun to watch all season. The recent Heat run was only good in the playoffs. The NBA has changed and you can’t just say, ‘Well they did it before, they’ll do it again,’ because under the new rules in the modern era, they really haven’t. – John, Ocala.
A: First, you have to start somewhere, and it will take time rising from consecutive 10th-place finishes. Second, Giannis Antetokounmpo, if acquired, is not an aging star; he is in his prime. But, yes, in agreement here that regular seasons have to matter more, there can’t be a just-wait-’til-the-playoffs approach. The roster has to be better. The coaching has to be better. The front office has to be better. And all should recognize as much. It’s not about repeating the past, it’s about a pathway to a better future. You are very correct in that regard.
Q: Ira, is Adam Silver going to step in with Giannis Antetokounmpo like he did with Damian Lillard and Terry Rozier and ruin it for the Heat? –Hank.
A: I am sure in the midst of the NBA Finals that Adam Silver has greater concerns than how to mess with the Heat. And as far as drawing comparisons to Damian Lillard’s trade demands from Portland, this is not the case of a player insisting on solely going to one team. In that regard, Giannis Antetokounmpo has handled this situation professionally. As it is, there has been no definitive hint that the Heat are the preference, or even one of the preferences.