The Miami Heat reportedly had a real chance to land former Washington Wizards star Bradley Beal in a trade this summer, however, they balked at finalizing a deal for one specific reason.
Even for bitter rivals of the Miami Heat, it is hard not to respect what the organization, the roster, and head coach Erik Spoelstra achieved last season. They had to fight just to reach the NBA Play-In tourney last year, but once they got into the playoffs they shockingly stormed their way to the NBA Finals. Making history as just the second eight-seed to reach the championship series.
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They did so with only one true superstar talent in Jimmy Butler during an era where it seems like most teams need at least two All-Stars to be serious contenders. That is why the hunt for a second star was a top priority this summer after coming up short to the Denver Nuggets in the NBA Finals.
Bradley Beal had the Miami Heat at the top of his summer trade list
Yet, despite being linked to trades for Bradley Beal and Damian Lillard, the organization failed to acquire an impact player to compete alongside Butler this season. When it comes to the Portland Trail Blazers great, the Heat reportedly lacked the assets to get a deal done with Lillard’s former team. However, it seems a Beal deal was possible but it was Miami who decided against it.
- Bradley Beal stats (’22-’23): 23.2 PPG, 3.9 RPG, 5.4 APG, 0.9 SPG, 37% 3PT
In a Monday conversation with Andscape, Beal revealed that the Heat was his top choice when he and the Wizards decided to part ways this summer. However, according to Associated Press NBA writer Tim Reynolds, a deal didn’t come to fruition because the Heat “did not want to give Beal the no-trade clause. Beal wanted to keep that power. And he did in the deal with Phoenix.”
Beal has four years left on his current contract, including a $57.1 million player option in 2026-2027. Considering the fact that he has played in 60 or more games just once in the last four seasons, it isn’t surprising that the often conservative Heat did not want to lock themselves into those remaining years and a no-trade clause.
