Should Carmelo Anthony be the Miami Heat’s off-season catch?
Miami Heat team president Pat Riley has made it abundantly clear he doesn’t care for draft picks.
In his 23 years with the team, Riley has championed the selection of over 30 players, but only a handful have gone on to become part of Miami’s long-term rotation.
"“My opinion on draft picks? Yes, they’re valuable,” Riley told the Palm Beach Post. “They’re valuable to trade for veteran players that have talent if you can get one."
Keeping with his logic, it stands to assume that Miami is on the hunt for at least one major piece this off-season to beef up their playoff ready roster. Dion Waiters and Josh Richardson can potentially be first options, but snagging a battle-tested scorer this summer could be the difference between a deep run and another first round exit.
Though the circumstances around Kawhi Leonard might make him receptive to Miami’s flirting, the Heat could make a move on one of the NBA’s most controversial figures: Carmelo Anthony.
Anthony is entering the final year of a two-year contract and is on pace to earn $28 million. For the Oklahoma City Thunder, Anthony has been nothing short of selfish, refusing to come off the bench despite playing well below is usual ability through the season and playoffs.
Miami is headed towards a beefy salary schedule with few proven leaders but has the resources to make space for Anthony. Should he opt-in, a package of Goran Dragic and Josh Richardson could entice the Thunder who have to consider another rebuild if Paul George flees.
Less likely, Anthony could opt-out of his deal and sign a veteran minimum deal if joining Miami outweighed the potential for a huge payday in 2019 and beyond.
The Thunder posted an 18-10 record when Anthony scored 20 or more points. For Miami, leading the way with even 20 points per game would be a welcome gift, considering the uncertainty around Waiters’ contributions and Richardson’s growth next season.
Riley has worked his magic in pulling superstars for brief stints in the past, so the chances of swinging Anthony might be greater than at first glance. Details aside, Anthony moving to Miami is volatile. He offers an incredible upside for an identity-less team but his track record could fashion Miami’s undoing.