Q: You took a question on Jonathan Kuminga yesterday, but ESPN no longer is mentioning the Heat. Did they tell them they’re out, like they did when Jimmy Butler was with Minnesota? – Eric.
A: Sort of apples to oranges, since the Heat were trying to trade for Jimmy Butler when he was with Minnesota, when Pat Riley said enough was enough on the eve of that season. Jonathan Kuminga not only is a free agent, but a restricted free agent, so it’s not as if the Heat would be telling the Warriors they are out. The Heat do not have the ability to even extend an offer sheet due to their cap position and the sign-and-trade math would not seem to work. This is a case of early-July speculation simply fading away in late July.
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Q: Tyler Herro could have Tyrese Haliburton-type impact if he opens up his passing vision. He used to throw Bam Adebayo the best lobs. They were automatic and I’ve seen playmaker potential many times. He just has to do it. I’m telling you Ira, playmaker Herro exists. – Swann.
A: But based on how this roster is built, scoring has to be the priority for Tyler Herro, even with the addition of Norman Powell. Getting 23.9 points per game last season from Tyler still wasn’t enough to juice the offense. No issue here if Tyler plays with eyes on the rim. In fact, he should.
Q: Should the Heat try to sign Malik Beasley at the veteran minimum? He had a quality season last year. There are no charges yet for gambling involvement. – George, Pembroke Pines.
A: After the Season of Butler (or Half Season of Butler, if you prefer), what the Heat need at this stage is less drama. The Heat have 14 players under standard contract and could take those 14 into the season, without roster alterations. Not to compare Malik Beasley to Jimmy Butler, but at some point a team has to eliminate as much noise as possible. And I could not fathom noise being reduced if Malik Beasley and Terry Rozier were in the same locker room.
