"The Miami Heat's clearest path toward acquiring a superstar player is not Giannis Antetokounmpo; it's Kawhi Leonard. While all the attention this week has surrounded the potential all-out bidding war for Giannis, it's Kawhi that presents the most likely path for the Heat to significantly upgrade their roster ahead of the 2026 NBA Trade Deadline. Is there a chance that Giannis is traded between now and the trade deadline? Sure."
"On the other hand, Kawhi could be available at a discount in a couple of months. With the LA Clippers struggling as much as they've had so far this season, it's fair to wonder if they'd be open to trading some of their veteran players in an attempt to jump-start a rebuild. The Heat would be one of the few teams across the league that would make sense for Kawhi."
"The Heat have a strong supporting cast already in place, and the addition of Kawhi could potentially give the team that final piece of the puzzle to emerge as a serious threat in the Eastern Conference. If Miami were able to acquire Kawhi without parting ways with any of their significant parts of their roster, and there's reason to believe that they wouldn't, this is a deal that lines up much more with what has been Pat Riley's tendency in the past."
Giannis Antetokounmpo remains a potential trade target, but the Heat face long odds of having the best offer against contenders like the Oklahoma City Thunder, San Antonio Spurs, or Los Angeles Lakers. Kawhi Leonard could become available at a discount if the LA Clippers pursue a rebuild amid their struggles. The Heat's existing supporting cast fits with Kawhi, and his addition could provide the final piece to contend in the Eastern Conference. Acquiring Kawhi without surrendering core roster pieces would align with Pat Riley's historical preference. Recent reporting suggests Kawhi may carry negative trade-market value for the Clippers.
Read at All U Can Heat
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