Bradley Beal was widely known as the star player on the worst contract in the NBA. However, that could quickly be changing. And if it does, the Miami Heat are reportedly one of (perhaps) many teams that would be interested in signing the former All-Star guard.
The recent whispers suggest that the Phoenix Suns are exploring the option of buying out Beal's contract. There are no certainties this will happen, or if Beal would even accept a buyout, but it does appear that this is one potential scenario on the table at this point in the offseason.
Considering their previous interest in Beal, it's natural to expect the Heat to be interested, especially without the risk of Beal cluttering their cap space. However, it's NBA insider Marc Stein's reporting that confirmed it.
Why Beal to the Heat makes sense
While it's natural to be skeptical about where Beal to the Heat would make sense for either side, it becomes quite understandable when you begin to break it all down. For one, Beal had a desire, or at least an interest, to be in Miami before. When the Washington Wizards were originally trading him a few years ago, the Heat were one of the teams he was willing to waive his no-trade clause for.
Things didn't end up working out, and Beal was eventually traded to Phoenix. Theoretically, if Beal has his choice of where to sign next, the Heat would probably be high on his list of destinations.
From the Heat's perspective, even though they're trying to sell everyone on a youth movement, we know deep down that this franchise would much rather win than develop their young talent. Even though adding Beal may not completely alter their ceiling for this season, there's a chance he could give this team a measured offensive punch that they've been lacking.
If the Heat are theoretically looking for a low-risk veteran to bet on, Beal would be a much better fit compared to an option like DeMar DeRozan or John Collins, who the Heat have also been linked to this offseason.
The biggest question is, would Beal still strongly consider Miami even though they may not be a "contender" in the Eastern Conference at the moment? With the likelihood of other contenders, like the Milwaukee Bucks, being interested, the Heat are not the most sensible landing spot for Beal. Will that matter?
The Heat are clearly interested in Beal. Is Beal interested in the Heat?