But short of that happening, and it doesn't appear as if that's going to be the case unless Giannis is willing to demand a trade, the Heat should not waste any assets on the idea of marginally improving the team at the deadline. Instead, the Heat should look to sell as many plausible assets as they can to prepare for an all-in pursuit of Giannis during the offseason.
While the trade occurred on Dec. 13, 2024, the deal did not become official until Dec. 15 because that's when Bryant became eligible to be dealt. Bryant opened up a roster spot that was evidently filled by Keshad Johnson, who was tearing up Sioux Falls on a two-way contract at the time. Since it was a non-simultaneous trade without any salary coming back, it also generated a small $2.1 million trade exception with the Heat.
In addition, as NBA insider Jake Fischer notes, it'd also have to come in a buy-low scenario. But that's not just unique to the Heat. There aren't many teams in the league at the moment that are willing to go "all-in" for AD. At this stage of his career, and with his injury history, it just doesn't make sense for any team to put their prime assets on the table for AD.
Paul went out of his way to praise the Heat's organization and what they've built over the last couple of decades. It's part of the reason why LeBron found so much success during his time in Miami. Heat Culture gets its praise Nevertheless, it's always great when the Heat is able to get their flowers. Even more so, considering that it has seemed that "Heat culture," which is being praised by Paul, has been under attack of late.
If we hit the rewind button to December 1, it felt like anything was possible for the Heat. They ran away from the LA Clippers so badly that Chris Paul stopped playing basketball, and Miami was 14-7 coming out of that game, having won seven of their previous eight. After scoring 140 points just once last season, that win over the Clippers was the 5th time this season the Heat topped 140 points.
Since the start of the 2000-01 season, Miami is both No. 5 in total wins (1,124) and win percentage (.551), capturing three NBA championships and seven Eastern Conference Titles. Not to mention, several of the franchise's greats - including Dwyane Wade, the greatest player in franchise history - suited up for the Heat during the 21st century. But where do a few of the Heat's best rank among their peers through the first quarter of the 21st century?
Larsson, one of the Heat's most important reserves, left Tuesday's game in the second quarter after incidentally stepping on Andrew Wiggins' ankle. The injury occurred after a made basket from Wendell Carter Jr., where Larsson was helped off the court by his teammates. He was unable to put weight on his ankle. Thankfully, for Larsson and the Heat, they will be getting plenty of rest over the next two weeks.
