After losing in the NBA Finals for the second time in four years, the Miami Heat head into the summer looking to add an All-Star guard to pair with Jimmy Butler and Bam Adebayo. With compelling options in both free agency and the trade market, candidates are already emerging.
Miami has already been connected to Bradley Beal, who the Washington Wizards are open to trading if the All-Star guard wants to play for a contender. In addition, Portland Trail Blazers guard Damian Lillard has expressed an interest in playing in Miami.
Related: NBA insider hints at Wizards’ return in potential Bradley Beal trade
However, Miami could go after one of the top NBA free agents this summer. Specifically, the Heat could revisit a previous attempt to land All-Star guard Kyrie Irving, with the hope he aligns himself with the team’s culture.
NBA insider Shams Charania shared weighed in on FanDuel TV with Michelle Beadle about the Heat’s offseason plans. He noted that Miami made an offer for Irving before the NBA trade deadline and could pursue him again this summer.
“They’re going to explore seeing what the star market is out there… Do they circle back on Kyrie Irving?
Shams Charania on the Miami Heat’s offseason plans
Irving played well last season and has demonstrated he can still play at an All-Star level. However, his history of inflammatory posts on social media and his off-court behavior are expected to be issues that Miami’s front office considers.
- Kyrie Irving stats (2022-’23): 27.1 PPG, 5.5 APG, 5.1 RPG, 1.1 SPG, 49.4% FG
During an appearance on Sirius XM, the South Florida Sun Sentinel’s Ira Widnerman indicated that Miami would have some interest on Irving, but wouldn’t add the All-Star guard on his terms.
“I do think Kyrie Irving wants to come here… I don’t think the Heat are going to be subservient to Kyrie’s wishes. I will find that much more of a long shot.”
Ira Winderman on Kyrie Irving possibly joining the Miami Heat
Related: Kyrie Irving reportedly wants to sign with one specific team
If Irving is completely committed to basketball and would dedicate himself to the culture Miami’s organization instills in its player, he can be a great fit. The Heat didn’t have that go-to scoring option outside of Butler in the playoffs and it ultimately cost them in the NBA Finals.
For now, Beal and Lillard seem to be emerging as Miami’s top trade targets this summer. If the Trail Blazers keep Lillard and Beal lands with another team, then the Heat could pivot to Irving if he’s amenable to playing on their terms.
