RESOLVING THE LEDGER
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See the full story · 1 sourcesHeat predicted to flip Andrew Wiggins for $411M former MVP, 3-time scoring champion in mega deal originally appeared on The Sporting News .
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The Miami Heat have been aggressive this offseason, especially early in free agency. Miami is coming off a disappointing season after failing to advance out of the Play-In Tournament.
The Heat made one of the biggest moves of the summer when they traded for former Milwaukee Bucks superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo.
“The Milwaukee Bucks are trading franchise icon Giannis Antetokounmpo and Bobby Portis to the Miami Heat for Tyler Herro, Kel'el Ware, Jaime Jaquez Jr., Kasparas Jakucionis, three first-round picks (including No. 13 in Tuesday's NBA draft), one pick swap and one second-round pick, sources told ESPN,” ESPN’s Shams Charania wrote.
Miami also pursued LeBron James, but that effort ultimately fell short. The Heat have since shifted their focus toward adding more shooting.
“They hope not. The Miami Heat's number one priority right now is to acquire shooting. And they found their No. 1 target for that...Klay Thompson. The problem is Klay Thompson has one year left on his Mavs contract so they're exploring whether they can trade for him, whether this could end up in a buyout, we'll see over the next several weeks,” Charania said.
While a deal for Thompson could still take some time to develop, Bleacher Report’s Dan Favale believes the Heat should pursue a sign-and-trade for Cleveland Cavaliers guard James Harden.
“If it's not going to be Cleveland, Miami immediately becomes the answer. The Heat need a primary playmaker after missing out on LeBron James more than the Cavs would without Harden. Working out a sign-and-trade isn't that complicated. Miami still has a chunk of room beneath the first apron, and Andrew Wiggins, who remains tradeable after signing his extension, fills a need in Cleveland,” Favale wrote.
Harden would be an excellent fit alongside Antetokounmpo, giving Miami another elite playmaker while creating more space for the Heat's core. He also would likely have more offensive freedom in Miami than he would in Cleveland alongside Donovan Mitchell.
Harden has earned $411 million in contracts throughout his career. Wiggins, meanwhile, would step into a larger role in Cleveland while primarily sharing the spotlight with Mitchell. A deal like this could benefit both franchises.
More NBA news:
Warriors predicted to sign $342M elite scorer, 14-year veteran to form duo with Steph Curry
Heat favorites to sign $305M Future Hall of Famer, 17-year vet to pair with Giannis Antetokounmpo
Lakers reportedly have sign-and-trade offer on the table for ex-Warriors champion Jonathan Kuminga
Cavs predicted to pass on Jonathan Kuminga, trade for $80M NBA champion in 4-team blockbuster
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