After the acquisition of Giannis Antetokounmpo, the Miami Heat's signature move of the summer revolved around signing Klay Thompson after he was bought out by the Dallas Mavericks. It's a respectable signing considering the circumstances, but the Heat's biggest move in support of Giannis could be less than 12 months away.
And it could be even more significant than the Thompson signing.
As NBA insider Barry Jackson points out, names like Damian Lillard, Zach LaVine, and Lu Dort could all be free agents next summer. With the full mid-level exception in their back pocket, these are the players that the Heat could be targeting in preparation for year two of the Giannis era.
“Players who could be in play for the mid level exception next July include Damian Lilliard (if he opts out of a contract with Portland), Zach Lavine, De’Andre Hunter, Donte Divencenzo and Lu Dort”
The Heat could be preparing for another active offseason next year
Whether any of those players would be willing to side for the mid-level exception ($15 million per year) remains to be seen. But it just goes to show what types of moves could be available to the Heat next summer, assuming their cap situation remains relatively the same between now and then.
It will be interesting to see how this all plays out, and it all begins when the team opens training camp next week.
Despite it all, one thing is becoming quite clear, and it's the fact that the Heat could very well be the worst version of themselves in the Giannis era during this first season. With the way things are lining up now, the Heat are likely going to find themselves in a position to make another big move next summer. And it do find it hard to believe that other veteran difference-makers won't be lining up to play next to Giannis in Miami, especially if they find a way to make noise in the East this season.
They'll certainly need another big-name player to be willing to play ball with them, but the opportunity will be there for the Heat to give their current supporting cast a massive boost within the next 12 months.
Regardless, let's be patient in counting the Heat out heading into this upcoming season. While they're certainly somewhat of an afterthought in the national media at large, this is a roster that has the ability to compete with any team in the Eastern Conference.
No matter how much the national media may disagree.
Especially if all these pieces gel (and perhaps most importantly, stay healthy), the Heat are going to be a tough out in the East. Because as long as Giannis and Bam Adebayo are healthy, they're going to have a shot every night.
And the fact that another big move could be less than 12 months away for Miami is only going to make the hype around Giannis' new era that much more profound.
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