It takes a super team to compete in today’s NBA. So how can the Miami Heat elevate themselves to contender status? It takes some creativity and sacrifice, but it can be done.
What if I told you next season the Miami Heat would feature a small ball lineup consisting of Goran Dragic, Paul George, Gordon Heyward, Justise Winslow, and Blake Griffin? You would probably tell me to wake up because I must be dreaming. But, that super team is a real possibility. And I wouldn’t put it past Pat Riley to make it a reality.
Pat Riley is nearing retirement and wants to go out on a high note. He wants to contend for a title one last time. To do so, he might be willing to make some high-risk, high-reward moves such as trading the team’s franchise player.
To build a super team, Riley’s riskiest move is to trade Hassan Whiteside, a borderline All-Star in his prime. Whiteside put up big numbers averaging 17 points and a league-leading 14 rebounds per game. He’s an elite rim protector and rebounder and, easily, one of the top five centers in the league. With three guaranteed years left on his contract, Whiteside’s trade value may never be higher.
Riley would also have to trade Tyler Johnson, who averaged 13.7 points while shooting 37.3 percent from 3, living up to the big $50 million contract he signed last summer. But, the contract contains a poison pill, with Johnson’s salary escalating from $6 million to $19 million after next season. However, Johnson is young and a solid two-way player. He will bring the Heat some asset in trade.
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Next, using some of the assets from the Whiteside and Johnson trades, the Heat trade for Paul George. The trade would have include Josh McRoberts and his $6 million salary.
Now, when free agency starts, Riley meets with Blake Griffin and Gordon Hayward. He convinces them that on the Heat they would contend for a title throughout their prime…with just a little sacrifice. Blake signs for $26 million, while Hayward signs for $28 million. After accounting for the state income tax of Utah and California, each are leaving about $1.5 million on the table.
Unfortunately, to build a super team, the Heat cannot afford to re-sign either Dion Waiters or James Johnson. Other casualties include Wayne Ellington and Luke Babbitt.
In this scenario, the Heat retain the 14th pick in the current draft. The roster could look like:
PG – Goran Dragic ($17M) / Josh Richardson ($1M)
SG – Paul George ($19M) / Rodney McGruder ($1M)
SF – Gordon Hayward ($28M) / Justise Winslow ($3M)
PF – Blake Griffin ($26M) / Okaro White ($1M)
C – 14th Pick ($2M) / Udonis Haslem (Minimum Salary)
With cap holds, the Heat are right at the cap of $101 million. This leaves them with the $4 million mid-level exception to add another player. The rest of the roster would be filled with minimum salary players.
Next: Heat, Riley can help Paul George reach potential
The above roster gives the Heat All-Star level talent at four of the five starting positions and solid role players off the bench. The Heat are instant contenders and Riley goes out on a high note.
Not going to happen you say? Shh. I’m dreaming. Don’t wake me yet.