Ranking 5 of Bam's Team USA teammates as Miami Heat trade targets
Team USA has a history of forming super teams. Is it a coincidence that after the 2016 Olympics, Kyrie Irving and Kevin Durant would pair together in the 2019 offseason in Brooklyn? Consider the 2008 Olympics: Chris Bosh, Dwyane Wade, and LeBron James were all on the roster and formed the Big Three in Miami two years later.
USA Basketball has brought superstars together. Being on one team with the best players in the world, aiming for one goal—winning the gold medal for your country—brings teammates closer, bonding them in an unfamiliar country as they strive to prove they are the best team in the world.
Heat star center Bam Adebayo is currently fighting for a gold medal with Team USA, and we have seen the connections he has made during these Olympics and the 2021 Olympics in Tokyo. While it may be unlikely, Miami could strike gold with one of these players.
Here are five players on Team USA's 2024 roster who would be great fits on the Heat.
5. LeBron James
It is doubtful that LeBron James would want to leave LA. He just signed a two-year, $104 million maximum contract to return to the Lakers. However, there are pathways to a potential departure. Since winning their 17th banner against the Heat in 2020, the Lakers are now on their third coach and have yet to live up to the high expectations of wearing the purple and gold.
If the Lakers have another disappointing season and Rob Pelinka and the front office do not meet LeBron's demands, things could get ugly fast. James was willing to accommodate the Lakers by taking a pay cut if they had acquired Jonas Valančiūnas, Klay Thompson, James Harden, or DeMar DeRozan, but the Lakers struck out on all of them.
If Miami could acquire James, it may not cost as much, considering his age. Value-wise, the Heat probably would not have to give up Bam Adebayo or Jimmy Butler—most likely draft capital. It is a move that fits Butler's timeline and is an all-in push.
Heat fans have seen LeBron in the jersey, and no matter what the beef is between Heat president Pat Riley and James, I am sure it would go away for a chance to win a title. Adding LeBron would instantly make Miami a contender again if Miami kept Bam and Butler. James would lessen the load on Butler in the postseason and give Miami someone who can also run their offense.