5 Moves Heat should make if Damian Lillard trade falls through
By Tyler Watts
2. Pry away Kawhi
Consider this one unlikely, but crazier things have happened in the NBA. Kawhi is recovering from another knee surgery and has not played more than 60 games since 2017. Load management will forever be a thing with Leonard, but the Heat could be the one franchise that can keep him healthy and firing on all cylinders when the games matter most.
Miami was not willing to pay a massive price for Leonard five years ago when he was entering the final year of his deal, so they would be less likely now. Kawhi missed the entire 2021-22 season recovering from a torn ACL and averages just 38.3 games per season over the last six. It is fair to question how much the 32-year-old has left in the tank.
Kawhi still produces elite numbers when he is on the floor, but it does not happen enough. The 6’7 wing joined the Clippers to be home in Los Angeles, and his desire to leave is unknown. His current team certainly caters to his wishes, and that could cause friction if he comes to Miami.
If the Miami Heat want a superstar, Kawhi Leonard may be the best available option if a Damian Lillard trade falls through, but any price would be an overpay if the five-time All-Star is not on the floor.