Teams aren't lining up for a potential Anthony Davis trade, at least that's the recent reporting, according to Tim Bontemps, surrounding the possibility of a blockbuster deal for the Dallas Mavericks. If true, the Miami Heat could have the opportunity to try to buy low on a superstar big man who is a proven winner in this league.
If Pat Riley is indeed the best at not only finding superstars but also acquiring them on a discount, you can't help but wonder if this reporting could factor into the equation of whether the Heat would explore a potential trade for AD at the NBA Trade Deadline.
In a vacuum, AD is the type of superstar that would appeal to the Heat. He's also one who would be a particularly intriguing fit next to Bam Adebayo in the frontcourt. There's no guarantee he'd be a player on the team's radar, but you'd have to assume there have, at the very least, been conversations inside the front office about the possibility.
For now, this does seem like a pipe dream, but if the losing continues for the Mavs, you'd have to assume that a trade of AD becomes something much more plausible in a couple of months. And that could be music to the ears of Heat fans, who are a franchise waiting for the right opportunity to make a play for their next superstar target.
When will the Heat strike?
Of course, the question is, would AD be considered the right target for the Heat? Honestly, that's complicated to answer.
There are health concerns, durability concerns, and asset concerns regarding a potential trade of AD for the Heat.
But, perhaps more than that, there's no guarantee that AD would be a piece that effectively puts this team over the top in the Eastern Conference. And that has to be the big head-scratcher for the Heat if they were to pursue a deal for AD.
Even if AD could be had at a discount at this point in his career, the price would still hurt the Heat. And if the Heat are paying even a discounted premium for a superstar player, he better be one that would be considered the final piece of the championship puzzle for Miami.
Without that guarantee, it would be a tough sell for the franchise, especially considering all the other star pursuits that they've chosen to sit out of over the last few years.
Nevertheless, it is quite interesting that AD could hit the trade block without a ton of interest surrounding his name. It's certainly something that should interest Heat fans, and one thing to keep a close eye on as we inch closer to trade season.