Miami Heat: Would Kristaps Porzingis Be A Game-Changer For Them?
By Isiah Curry
The Miami Heat have tried several options beside Bam Adebayo, but is Kristaps the right answer?
In the last two seasons, Miami has had trial and error with starting Adebayo alongside former teammates Kelly Olynyk, Meyers Leonard, and most recently, Dewayne Dedmon. The Heat ultimately deferred to quicker and smaller fours, instead of trying to figure out a power-rotation.
And while Porzingis may not solve all of the Heat’s interior issues, he’s going to provide more length, athleticism, and mobility than what previous Heat centers have brought. If Miami intends to trade for Porzingis, they must first be willing to match the incoming salary for his contract and as they do have flexibility to trade for a max-level talent, you’d expect them to be in search for better options.
Guys such as Damian Lillard and (likely) Kawhi Leonard are at the top of that list, one would think. Porzingis is still a valid option though and on with two (guaranteed) years left on his current deal, though set to make $31,650,000 in 2021-22, $33,833,400 in 2022-23, and with a $36,016,200 Player Option in 2023-24.
Miami can get creative in a trade for Porzingis, such as with veterans like Goran Dragic and Andre Iguodala, who the Heat hold team options for this summer and could combine for around $34.5 million in salary if Miami were to pick up those options for a trade. This would the best window for the Heat to perform a potential sign and trade for the Mavericks’ center.
Next. You have to retain both Dewayne Dedmon & Trevor Ariza. dark
There’s plenty of directions for the Heat to go in the next few months and it’s almost inevitable that we’re going to see a much different roster than in the last two seasons. A fresh start for Porzingis just might be needed to further advance the Heat’s title hopes and most notably, his once extremely-promising career.