Q: Read some Bam Adebayo-to-the-Spurs rumors and it makes sense especially if we get a strong young player and a pick, maybe offload a salary? Thoughts. – Jim, Charlotte, N.C.
A: The first thought is that such a move would be the best way for the Heat to get to the top of the draft in light of their anti-tank stance. And Bam Adebayo with Victor Wembanyama and De’Aaron Fox certainly could be something for the Spurs (with Bam certainly a culture fit there). Of course, the Heat have not offered any such hints. Still, this would be a way to get to the top of the draft, shed salary, fill out the roster perhaps with some of the Spurs’ wing talent and maybe even add additional draft capital.
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Q: I see the Heat linked to several big men at No. 20. We have Bam Adebayo and Kel’el Ware. There are too many needs at other positions. – Andy.
A: I agree. But when a team makes it known and clear that the approach is the best player available, then it sometimes comes down to numbering players 1 through 20 and then taking the best of who remains. Do the Heat another big man? At the moment, wouldn’t think so, considering Nikola Jovic also is in the mix. Of course, the Heat were set with youth in their backcourt in 2020 and bypassed Tyrese Maxey (or my preference at the time, Desmond Bane) in favor of Precious Achuwa, so perhaps there is something to be said about best-available now and worry about fit later. For that matter, it’s not as if Kel’el Ware is assured of being a Heat for life, nor that the Heat possibly won’t be making a move with a big man this offseason.
Q: Are we going to sit around all summer and wait on Giannis Antetokounmpo? – Eldon.
A: I wouldn’t think so, if only because unlike with Damian Lillard, there is no clear-cut sense that the Heat would be Giannis’ clear-cut preference should he desire a move. That said, until a resolution is reached with Giannis, there is the potential for his decision to put the entire NBA trade market on pause.