ASK IRA: Does Giannis Antetokounmpo change the Heat’s thinking with Damian Lillard?
Q: Has Giannis indirectly created leverage for the Miami Heat with Portland, now that he has made it clear he wants another ring with or without Milwaukee? Surely the league knows that Pat Riley loves to go whale hunting and if Portland is dragging its feet then maybe Pat Riley might turn his attention to Giannis. – Rodney.
A: For now, all things Giannis Antetokounmpo are premature. And it’s not as if the Heat can afford to put Jimmy Butler on hold for a season or two to see what might (or might not) happen with Giannis. But as I wrote over the weekend, the lack of a trade for Damian Lillard would keep the Heat warchest intact for an alternate expedition. Still, if the Heat can get Damian for something they believe is equitable, then that remains the play.
Q: These Heat trade stories are out there every day. But the Heat don’t have anywhere near the assets to get Damian Lillard. The Knicks have exponentially more assets than the Heat have to trade. – Peter.
A: Which has been said from the beginning. And yet, here we are, with August about to turn into September without a credible alternate offer out there. Considering the Knicks were preempted a year ago in their bid for Donovan Mitchell at the start of September, one would think that if New York is serious or interested in Damian Lillard, then this would be the time to put up. For now, still crickets. And with Jalen Brunson in New York, perhaps a reason why, as well.
Q In addition to Tyler Herro, Josh Richardson, Thomas Bryant, Jaime Jaquez Jr., Nikola Jovic, the Heat will have Kevin Love from the get-go. Love is a career 37% 3-point shooter who was brought into a situation without any acclimation process. If Love reverts to his 37% 3-point self after a full summer to settle into South Beach, the Heat might exceed expectations once again. – Leo, North Carolina.
A: Then there is this element of why the Heat still might be upgraded even without a Damian Lillard trade. But the dropoff in 3-point shooting last season by Kevin Love was pronounced, particularly with the Heat over the finish of the regular season. But he did bounce back in the playoffs, so perhaps that can be a sign of establishing a comfort zone.