The Miami Heat were hoping for big positive changes to their roster this offseason, with a close eye on adding a star player. With the way things are currently trending, though, it may be time for Heat fans to start bracing for another offseason of heartbreak.
There are two particular rumors that would all but confirm the strong possibility of the Heat missing out on at least two of the bigger star players that are set to hit the trade block this offseason. According to Jake Fischer, there’s now a growing hesitance across the league that Giannis Antetokounmpo will not be traded. In addition, there are now whispers that Kevin Durant might be expecting a trade to the San Antonio Spurs this summer.Assuming that, at least to a certain extent, these rumors hold water and that Giannis and KD could already be off the table for a team like the Heat, it puts them in a very difficult spot as they attempt to navigate their way through the offseason trade waters.
If the Heat is unable to land a star player this offseason, it will naturally feel like just another disappointment for the fan base. Over the last few years, the offseason hasn’t been kind to Miami. From the Damian Lillard mishap two years ago to the beginning of the end of the Jimmy Butler era, the fans won’t be happy with another offseason in which their team is left empty-handed.Is there an established plan B for the Heat?
That’s where a potential plan B for the Heat could loom large. There have been whispers that Miami’s backup plan for this offseason could revolve around small changes, perhaps a second or third-tier star addition. Names like DeMar DeRozan, Zach LaVine, Lauri Markkanen, or even Trae Young could come into play.
Of course, that’s if the Heat believes that any of these moves for these players would move the needle enough to warrant giving up valuable assets for. That’s not a guarantee. As much as the Heat may not want to run it back next season, I’d imagine they’d take a hard, long look at that possibility if there isn’t a unanimous plan B in place for the team
