If the Miami Heat had made a move like the Philadelphia 76ers just made, in which they sold a player that didn't fit with their team for a future first-round pick, they probably wouldn't be in the current bind they find themselves in heading into the NBA Trade Deadline.
In somewhat of a surprising move, the 76ers traded Jared McCain to the Oklahoma City Thunder in exchange for a first-round pick and three second-round picks. It's a move that may not make much sense now, especially with McCain in just his second season, but it's also a trade that could pay dividends for the team in the future.
With this deal, the 76ers managed to add future draft capital in exchange for a player that probably didn't fit the future of the team, especially with the emergence of V.J. Edgecombe. Philadelphia sold McCain early, when probably few other teams would've.
The Heat's front office has one big blind spot
While it can be questioned, this is the exact foresight that the Heat lacks. Because of that, Miami is left scrambling to find additional draft capital to use in an offer for Giannis Antetokounmpo.
Interestingly enough, it's the one blind spot of this front office.
There may not be much that can be nitpicked about how the Heat runs as a business, but the asset management part of their philosophy has come into question of late.
It's almost as if the Heat has no idea when it's time to sell on some of their players - and it's costing them dearly in their pursuit of Giannis.
This is not to say that the Heat has to always emerge as a seller at every trade deadline, but there are times when a franchise needs to take a step back before it takes two forward. The Heat, for better or worse, has refused to embrace that philosophy.
While it's part of what makes the Heat who they are, there are natural pros and cons to that type of team-building blueprint.
I suppose the trade deadline outcome for the Heat may ultimately indicate that one way or another, but there's at least a small chance that their refusal to make these types of "step-back" trades could end up costing Miami a superstar player.
All because, deep down, the Heat would rather remain competitive than fall into the lottery from time to time.
Again, the NBA Trade Deadline will ultimately reveal whether the Heat's current philosophy can still work in the modern NBA, but there's no question that had the Heat made a move like the 76ers just did (years ago), they'd be in a much better spot in their pursuit of Giannis right now.