The Miami Heat are at the point of their year where all things are geared towards getting better. Getting better internally is always key, looking for players to continue developing, add new stuff, or fine-tune things that weren’t as sharp in the previous year with their time off, there are always those external methods of getting better too.
The NBA Draft, free agency, and of course the coveted trade are also ways to improve your team. Two of those segments of improvement are the main topics of conversation here.
According to Kevin O’Connor of The Ringer, the Atlanta Hawks are looking to jumpstart their offseason improvements on the trade market. The kicker is this though.
They are seeking big-time NBA Draft compensation in exchange for their offerings.
The Miami Heat are certainly looking to improve by any possible means. Could the price of the John Collins sweepstakes be too steep for them to enter though?
"League sources say the Hawks are looking to add a lottery pick either by outright trading John Collins or also including this selection. One of the teams they’ve had talks with is Portland. If Atlanta stays put, Eason makes sense because of his multi-positional defense, size, and playmaking."
A few facts of merit to begin this discussion is appropriate. John Collins is entering the second year of a five-year pact for $125 million dollars.
After having the opportunity to not be in the Collins business before this prior season, the Hawks must’ve not wanted to let such a talent walk without getting something in return. But, what a price to pay to go about it that way.
As far as the Miami Heat go, they own the 27th pick in this upcoming draft, surely not the “lottery pick” that Atlanta is seeking. However, you are talking about the dealmakers that are Pat Riley and the Miami Heat.
There is a chance that he could flip a current Miami Heat talent along with draft compensation for Collins straight up. Though that isn’t the most likely option, there could be a scenario where a Miami Heat talent and draft compensation are traded for said lottery pick, to be conveyed to Atlanta for Collins’ services.
It may sound a bit outlandish, but the option could be there with the wit and couth of Riley and company in these situations. Whether you would actually want to pursue Collins is one thing, but there can be a path navigated to attaining the cost to do business—perhaps.