Miami Heat Rumors: Are They Really A Prime Free Agency Destination?

Sun, sand, beaches, no state tax, and not to mention an organization world renowned as top notch, those are the annual sales pitches that land the Miami Heat on top of every free agent’s destination list every summer.

Or at least that is what everyone believes. The truth is, the aforementioned statement has sprinkles of fact mixed with delusions of grandeur.

Honest Heat fans would tell you, at times, free agency has been more of an exercise in big whale hunting turned baby bass fishing. So, how does Miami’s level of success with signings become misconstrued?

One reason is that Alonzo Mourning, Tim Hardaway and Shaquille O’Neal are often incorrectly bunched in the free agency acquisition bag instead of the section of trade finds. The other reason is the absolute star power of LeBron James, Chris Bosh, Ray Allen and Jimmy Butler looms so large, the masses feel like those were more than just three summers.

No offense to Eddie Jones, Brian Grant or Lamar Odom, but throughout Pat Riley’s 26-year tenure in Miami, the Heat have air balled too many offseasons to bill Biscayne as everyone’s preferred destination. But what they have done is flip their little finds into assets for big transactions.

The Miami Heat are thought of as the coveted home for elite free agent talent, but most years have seen them settle for the NBA’s lower tier.

Miami’s misses include real heavy hitters (Tracy McGrady, Kevin Durant), as well as Heat perceived whales (Gordon Hayward, LaMarcus Aldridge). However, the organization’s mystique makes it comfortable for some to look past the whiffs, with the belief that something will happen down the line.

That is usually the same portion that anoints ballers who barely make it off the bench as legends and consider draft busts better than all-stars. Others get caught in the web of disappointment.

Neither approach is right or wrong, but both sides are going through a rollercoaster of emotions as they prepare for free agency’s heart tugs. Starting with Kyle Lowry.

For many reasons, Lowry has long been tapped as Miami’s point guard to unlock Bam Adebayo’s offensive capabilities. By most reports, the team is still seated in prime position for his services.

A few things have shaken doubt on the possibility though. Lowry’s thoughts, combined with the salary range reports from Five Reasons Sports’ Adam Borai, have bred talk of Miami being outbid, regardless of the chance to win or a Butler friendship.

If a few million dollars causes the team to miss out on Lowry and others, talk of the Heat’s lore will have to finally take a long hiatus…. until next summer.