The Miami Heat didn’t face a Western Team this postseason, as they were knocked out early. But so were plenty of teams on that side.
Several teams in the West (Los Angeles Lakers, Los Angeles Clippers, Portland Trail Blazers) exited the playoffs far sooner than their lofty expectations. This could cause some serious ripple effects.
Early exits in the West
For the Clippers, the biggest problem is Kawhi Leonard hitting free agency. Even if Miami isn’t on his boarding pass, the Clippers could potentially start selling pieces to avoid losing other assets that exit in his departure.
Portland is in a similar boat. If Damian Lillard leaves and the return isn’t a superstar, it will likely be a massive haul of picks.
That could trigger a ripple effect, pushing the Trail Blazers into overhaul mode. Even partially rebuilding on the fly sends solid rotation players on the move (I’m looking at you, Robert Covington).
The Lakers might not have a firesale since injuries kept them from running the table, but the door always seems to be pretty well worn on LeBron-led teams. The high turnover could lead to someone like a Kyle Kuzma finding their way onto the Miami Heat.
The bottom line: A team like the Heat, with playoff hardened vets, at least one blue-chip piece, some cash, and a desirable city could land some real pieces this summer. Keep your eyes peeled… is the point.