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3 Reasons why the Miami Heat need to sign Trevor Ariza

By Brandon Johnson

HOUSTON, TX - MAY 16: Trevor Ariza #1 of the Houston Rockets talks to the media after the game against the Golden State Warriors in Game Two of the Western Conference Finals of the 2018 NBA Playoffs on May 16, 2018 at the Toyota Center in Houston, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Bill Baptist/NBAE via Getty Images)
HOUSTON, TX - MAY 16: Trevor Ariza #1 of the Houston Rockets talks to the media after the game against the Golden State Warriors in Game Two of the Western Conference Finals of the 2018 NBA Playoffs on May 16, 2018 at the Toyota Center in Houston, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Bill Baptist/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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HOUSTON, TX – JANUARY 03: Trevor Ariza #1 of the Houston Rockets looks to goes to the basket as Chris Bosh #1 of the Miami Heat defends during their game at the Toyota Center on January 3, 2015 in Houston, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Scott Halleran/Getty Images)
HOUSTON, TX – JANUARY 03: Trevor Ariza #1 of the Houston Rockets looks to goes to the basket as Chris Bosh #1 of the Miami Heat defends during their game at the Toyota Center on January 3, 2015 in Houston, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Scott Halleran/Getty Images) /

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.

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.

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