Miami Heat: Whacky 4-team fake trade to become best squad in the East

MIAMI, FL - APRIL 9: Jimmy Butler #23 of the Philadelphia 76ers poses for a photo prior to a game against the Miami Heat on April 9, 2019 at American Airlines Arena in Miami, Florida. 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 2019 NBAE (Photo by Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images)
MIAMI, FL - APRIL 9: Jimmy Butler #23 of the Philadelphia 76ers poses for a photo prior to a game against the Miami Heat on April 9, 2019 at American Airlines Arena in Miami, Florida. 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 2019 NBAE (Photo by Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images)
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chris paul, miami heat
MIAMI, FL – DECEMBER 20: Dwyane Wade #3 of the Miami Heat and Chris Paul #3 of the Houston Rockets look on during the first half at American Airlines Arena on December 20, 2018 in Miami, Florida. 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 Michael Reaves/Getty Images)

Why the Heat might do this deal

In this scenario Pat Riley has gone past the point of no return and wants to win now in an eastern conference that has league MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo with his same running mates, a Kawhi Leonard-less defending champion, the Kyrie Irving show, and a no-bench Sixers squad that has a point guard in Ben Simmons who won’t shoot who’s also looking for a max extension. To say the iron is hot would be an understatement.

By taking Love, Beal, and Paul, and pairing them with Jimmy Butler, and Bam Adebayo, the Heat would have the best starting lineup in the conference combined with great coaching, a professional atmosphere, and a culture that celebrates success while simultaneously holding players accountable with no drama in the background. This will undoubtedly put butts in the seats. They may even sell out every home game. If Pat Riley can pull this off, he’d be a shoo-in for the executive of the year award come July.

The team would be stacked, and you’d have flame thrower Tyler Herro, the next Fred VanVleet in the form of Kendrick Nunn, and newly acquired Meyers Leonard anchoring the bench unit. Outside of Chris Paul’s contract, there’s no reason not to do this deal. You could wait around and see how the rest of the kids turn out, but if CP3 and Jimmy Butler want to play for your team, you do it for the right price.

When it comes to getting star players, why put off for later what you can do now?