“Jimmy’s timeline” and “Bam’s timeline” are phrases that Miami Heat fans are all too familiar with. It encompasses the dilemma surrounding wanting to win in the years where superstar, Jimmy Butler, is in his prime while also making sure the future is secure by building a team around young All-Star, Bam Adebayo.
While many Heat fans believe that the two are mutually exclusive, there are moves that Pat Riley could make to secure the team’s future while also making sure that the squad is good enough to compete during the rest of Butler’s prime.
One thing is certain. The current squad is not good enough to fit either timeline.
With that being said, the front office could definitely make plays that could secure success for both the established superstar, Butler, as well as the future of the franchise, Adebayo.
1. Collin Sexton
If you’re a Miami Heat fan, then you know about the recent rumors surrounding Collin Sexton and the Miami Heat. Miami has always had love for gritty players who give their all on both sides of the floor and Sexton is exactly that.
Not only is Sexton already an established scorer in the league (24 points per on 48 percent shooting) but he is also a persistent defender who can guard opposing teams’ threats. The Young Bull has improved every single year he has been in the league but with the Cavaliers most likely drafting Jalen Green at number 3 in this year’s upcoming NBA Draft, it is likely Sexton could get moved.
A trade package surrounding Tyler Herro and Precious Achiuwa could get the deal done and with Miami’s lack of scoring combined with Goran Dragic’s decline in the 2021 playoffs, a scoring guard could be the missing piece that the Miami Heat are lacking to truly compete in the East.
This trade would make the Miami Heat contenders immediately as a Big 3 of Sexton, Butler, and Adebayo could rip through the East with their defensive prowess, combined with the offensive power Sexton adds.
Looking to the future, trading for Sexton would put the Miami Heat in pole position to compete for years to come. With Sexton and Adebayo both improving every year that they have been in the league, there is no reason to assume their development wouldn’t continue until they are one of the elite duos in the NBA.
The Miami Heat need a guy like Spencer Dinwiddie and he can be free this offseason. Can they make it happen though?
The Miami Heat could use another lead guard option, but someone who could also score from all three levels with consistency. The next guy fits that bill.
2. Spencer Dinwiddie
Spencer Dinwiddie is one of the top players entering free agency this year. The 28 year old point guard is reportedly fully recovered from his partial ACL tear and could be a key contributor for the Heat should they choose to pursue him.
Dinwiddie will certainly decline his player option in the hopes of securing a much larger contract. In 2019-20, the season before his injury, Dinwiddie averaged about 20 points and seven assists per game.
A point guard in that mold could be exactly what the Heat need. Someone who can not only score, but also distribute the ball would be an incredible addition to the roster.
The Heat could benefit a lot on the offensive end from Dinwiddie’s production because as previously mentioned, scoring was a big issue for the current roster in the Heat’s first round series loss to the Milwaukee Bucks. Dinwiddie is only 28, making him a good fit to help compete now and also help compete when Bam takes over the reigns of the franchise.
A sign and trade deal with the Nets could help bring Dinwiddie to Miami, where he could be a current contributor, as well as the point guard for the franchise in the years to come.
The Miami Heat could have their ideal fit next to Bam with this next guy. Well, that’s once John Collins and the Hawks are done in the playoffs.
Though a military child, specifically meaning moving from place to place growing up, John Collins graduated from high school in West Palm Beach, Florida. With that, the Miami Heat should look to try and bring him home… of sorts.
3. John Collins
John Collins‘ upcoming free agency has been heavily documented. After failing to get the contract extension he desired last year, Collins bet on himself and decided to play another season before entering restricted free agency.
While his stats have dipped a little this season, 21 points per game last season to 18 points per game this season, I attribute that to the fact that the Hawks simply have more contributors this year.
He shoots 56% from the field, while also shooting 40% from three over the last two seasons. He would be an excellent frontcourt partner to Bam, as he can space the floor and provide the Heat with their forward pair for the future.
He could also help the current squad compete, as he could complete a Big 3 comprised of Collins, Butler, and Bam. While the Heat need help with scoring, they also need rebounding help in the frontcourt with Bam Adebayo.
Collins averaged 10 rebounds in 2019-20, showing he has a talent for picking up the boards. The Heat have to be careful with Collins, however, as they can’t overpay for a player who does not seem worth the max.
Collins seems to want upward of $100 million for his contract, which does not seem worth it for a player who would be the third best player on the roster. However, if they can get him on a sensible deal that benefits both parties, I think he would be a superb pickup and upgrade for the current squad.
The Heat are obviously in win-now mode. However, it is hard not to look to the future when our second best player is a 23 year old All-Star center.
I think the front office should make moves to improve the current roster but also keep the future in mind as Bam is obviously the long term face of the franchise.