The Miami Heat missed out big free agent names this off-season like Gordon Hayward and Blake Griffin. Consequently, they were left with no choice but to re-sign players like Dion Waiters and James Johnson. The team has remained basically the same. The hope was that they could build on the impressive 30-11 run in the second half of last season.
But the Heat might have another chance at a grand prize. Kyrie Irving has apparently asked for a trade according to ESPN's sources, and Chris Haynes said that his shortlist of preferred destinations consists of the San Antonio Spurs, Minnesota Timberwolves, New York Knicks, and Miami Heat.
Heat pursuing Irving?
ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski reports that the Miami Heat would be willing to include Goran Dragic and Justise Winslow in a potential deal for Irving. The 31-year-old Slovenian point guard has had some success in the league, but he has never made the All-Star team. Winslow, 21, is a forward who shows glimpses of the great defender he can become, but has not proven much yet on the offensive end. The Heat could improve their offer by adding young players like Josh Richardson and this year's draft pick Bam Adebayo.
The Heat and the Cavaliers have not been particularly on great terms ever since LeBron James took his talents to South Beach. One can remember Dan Gilbert's rant following LeBron's departure in 2010 and his suspicion that the Heat broke NBA anti-tampering rules during their pursuit of James.
The Heat then saw James go back to Cleveland in 2014. According to Wojnarowski's report, "With the Cleveland-Miami history, there's little chance for a deal unless the Heat offered an overwhelming package."
Heat need someone like Irving
Irving would certainly help the Heat make some noise in the Eastern Conference once again.
This conference certainly needs to see more teams improve significantly. While the Irving-James relationship seems to be broken, Irving could end up taking the same route James took seven years ago and become a Miami Heat player. Irving would not only look to prove that he can win on his won, but also that he can win where James did.
The Heat could surround Irving with players like Hassan Whiteside, Dion Waiters, and James Johnson. Whiteside is the closest thing to an All-Star player. He is one of the most dominant centers in the league. His play would certainly improve by sharing the floor with an offensive force like Irving, who attracts more than one defender. Whiteside boldly stated roughly two months ago: “I think we got a chance." Whiteside blindly believed in his team's chance at the NBA title as soon as next season. He may still have a chance of being right after all if the Heat can get Irving.
