Miami Heat Rumors: Why Bradley Beal makes so much sense for the Heat

The Miami Heat have long been rumored as potential suitors in a deal for Bradley Beal. But why does a trade make so much sense?

When the Miami Heat made their acquisition of All-Star guard Jimmy Butler, it came with a heavy asterisk: there would be a second move made after the fact.

Duncan Robinson, Kendrick Nunn, and Tyler Herro‘s emergence as rotational talents has been a plus assuredly. Their play combined with Bam Adebayo‘s emergence as an All-Star has no doubt lessened the pressure on this Heat front office.

But the idea going forward is that they’ll revisit trading for another starter this summer.

When the season shut down due to the COVID-19 outbreak, Miami was the 4th best team in the Eastern Conference, and the 8th best team league-wide.

While that’s certainly progress from their record and success over the last two to three years, it’s clear that Butler and Adebayo could use a third name to help put them atop the competition.

Thus, Miami has been linked to a number of names ahead of what’s expected to be a largely quiet free agency period come July. Chris Paul and Bradley Beal, primarily.

And while the former would certainly aid the Heat’s conquests, it’s the latter who would make the most sense in any dealings from a Miami standpoint.

Beal is 26 years old, smack in the middle of his prime, and can shoulder a large share of the scoring responsibility from his two All-Star teammates.

Which will allow Butler specifically to do what he does best: affect the game in every other statistical area.

Any Beal trade will come at a cost certainly, after his career season for the Washington Wizards. Without All-Star point guard John Wall (Achilles injury), he posted career-highs in points (30.5) and assists (6.1).

Beal’s progress and proven ability in passing the ball should blend well with Butler and Adebayo, both of whom move and play well off the ball.

He’s also capable of serving as an entire one-man arsenal. On any given night he could over-correct for any of Miami’s youth core and their mistakes: Robinson, Nunn, or Herro.

And frankly, Beal is just the kind of player that would thrive behind this Miami Heat culture.

He works hard, plays harder, and is a solid locker room voice. Don’t believe it? He’s coming off of a season where the Wizards went just 24-40.

If Beal was going to make noise in terms of complaints or a trade request, he’d have done so; and not signed a multi-year extension just before the season’s start.

Another factor in any deal involving the shooting guard is the price point.

Miami is one of the more asset strapped teams in terms of draft compensation.

But Washington could very well be inclined to accept a Heat offer for Beal not involving a plethora of draft picks.

Because if the Wizards do end up trading their star guard, it’ll mean they’re embarking on a new era in DC. One that would be devoted entirely to a rebuild of the franchise around their own youth core, plus whichever youth Miami provides.

Washington won just 24 games this season, almost entirely on the shoulders of Beal. They’ll be in talks for a top draft pick for the next two to three seasons, no matter the package they get in return for the guard.

Elsewhere, teams like the Oklahoma City Thunder (deal for Chris Paul) or Portland Trail Blazers (deal for Damian Lillard or CJ McCollum) would no doubt be looking for maximum draft compensation.

When facing the hand they’re dealt, a deal for Beal could very well be the most cost-efficient. And for the Miami Heat and any potential deal this summer, that’s going to have to be the top priority.

If Miami is going to get aggressive in their dealings for another star to put next to Butler and Adebayo, Beal makes the most sense among the field. From a price point perspective, to fit within their current roster and timeline, he’s likely their best bet at bringing another championship to Miami.