After landing Giannis Antetokounmpo, it was only natural for Miami Heat fans to find themselves at a new high. Nothing was seemingly off the table now that they landed Giannis. LeBron James. Kawhi Leonard. Ja Morant.
Who would be next?
Of course, that was until Kawhi hit Heat fans with a slice of humble pie that they just didn't expect.
Kawhi Leonard has no interest in playing for the Heat
According to a report from Jake Fischer, Leonard doesn't have much interest in being traded to the Heat (or signing an extension with them). Even though this isn't something that will take much away from the big move that the Heat made for Giannis, it will hit Heat fans with a much-needed reality check heading into the remainder of the offseason.
Maybe there won't be another star acquisition this summer for the Heat, but that's OK. It was fun while the thought of it lasted, though.
The good news is that the Heat don't necessarily need a "star acquisition" at this point. The Heat made its big move of the summer, and it's hard to overstate how much adding Giannis will change things for Miami.
This is a move that the front office had been eyeing for years, and one that is going to completely change the course of this season for the Heat.
After locking up Giannis, the front office needs to shift its focus to building around its new dynamic duo. While a star player like Leonard would've been nice, and very far-fetched, it was never all that likely.
Though the thought of it did feel really good. And after the Heat had made the move for Giannis, I suppose nothing was completely off the table the rest of the way.
For now, though, don't expect another big move for another star. With even more limited assets, it was never all that likely.
This report from Fischer just proved that.
Heat will prioritize smaller moves for shooting and backcourt depth
At this point, it's probably a safe assumption that Miami will prioritize finding more guard depth and shooting as they inch closer and closer to training camp. They have a little wiggle room in free agency, and it's likely that they will focus on the big holes that remain on their roster with the money they do have at their disposal.
While there could be some intriguing names that are available for the Heat to pursue, it's unlikely that any of them will be considered star moves.
The league has changed. Because of the new CBA, it wouldn't be easy for the Heat to pull off such a move again. But, again, that shouldn't take much away from this new high that Heat fans have been riding since it was announced that Miami had won the bidding war for Giannis.
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