Branding
At the end of the Rockets playoff run, reports surfaced that Ariza was in the ball park for a huge payday. After a four-year, 32$ million deal in Houston, Ariza was looking for something to the tune of $50-60 million over a similar four years.
Trevor Ariza seeking $50-60 million in free agency https://t.co/obYoHOQbXd pic.twitter.com/8flkkiksdM
— Bleacher Report NBA (@BR_NBA) June 16, 2018
Weeks later, new voices including ESPN’s Chris Haynes claimed he was willing to take a pay cut to join a contender, namely, the Warriors.
Miami certainly doesn’t have the coffers to fund Ariza’s riches, but what they get from Ariza lowering his standards can breed future success.
A one-year Ariza trial in Miami would be the perfect admission of Miami’s new vision. The Heat have failed to attract a big free agent name, in part to the lack of assurance that they can be competitive without completely overhauling the roster.
Nabbing Ariza would work similarly to JJ Redick’s year-long stint in Philadelphia 76ers. Redick joined Philadelphia for a quick payday, but his contributions outweighed his price tag. His sharpshooting and leadership helped mark the end of the rebuilding era that plagued the Sixers for years.
Ariza brings a similar presence, and surrounded by young talent and a concerted offensive and defensive consistency, could reverse the narrative that Miami’s current squad is a directionless playpen.
Unless some lottery bound benevolent team doesn’t mind absorbing Miami’s awful contracts, the Heat will be locked out of making a big move for any of the NBA’s top talent.
Next: Miami Heat: What fans can expect from Bam Adebayo in 2018-19
Buying into Ariza is akin to 070 Shake getting a Kanye West co-sign. Even if Miami doesn’t win a championship any more than Shake can win a Grammy overnight, the name recognition will only be a boon for the future.