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The Miami Heat entered the summer with the retirement of Dwyane Wade hanging over the franchise. However, Pat Riley and the Heat quickly improved the mood around Miami by completing an unlikely sign-and-trade for Jimmy Butler. The addition of one of the East's best players has raised expectations for the franchise, and anything short of a playoff finish will be considered a huge failure.
Riley also remains among the most ambitious executives in the NBA, and the Heat are expected to make further moves as the season progresses. Riley remains keen to attract further stars to play alongside Butler, and the Heat will be among the NBA's most active teams. So, with plenty going on, here are all the latest Miami rumors you need to know.
#1 Bradley Beal is interested in heading to Miami
The Washington Wizards remain desperate to sign Bradley Beal to a new long term deal, although the shooting guard has yet to respond to the organization's $111 million contract offer. Due to the Wizards' inability to contend in a weakened Eastern Conference, many inside the NBA have suggested that Beal's long-term future lies away from Washington, and Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald believes that the Heat will be among the teams that the All-Star will consider:
But if Beal decides to move on from Washington and become a free agent in 2021, the associate — who requested anonymity because he’s not authorized to speak on Beal’s behalf — said he expects the Heat to receive serious consideration.
While Beal won't hit free agency until 2021, the Wizards may opt to trade their most valuable asset if he reveals his desire to leave the franchise. The 26-year-old is coming off the best season of his career, averaging 25.6 points, 5.5 assists, and 5.0 rebounds per game.
#2 A Mario Chalmers reunion is unlikely
Mario Chalmers didn't play in the NBA last season, although the veteran recently revealed his desire to return to the league. Chalmers is currently starring in the Big 3 league following a short spell with Virtus Bologna of the Italian Lega Basket Serie A, and at 33, a return to the NBA seems realistic.
A reunion with the Heat has been suggested, although The Sun Sentinel is reporting Chalmers is unlikely to return to Miami because the team would first need to release Kendrick Nunn.
Chalmers previously played for the Heat between 2008-2015 and was a starter as the team won back to back titles in 2012 and 2013. He was traded to the Memphis Grizzlies in November of 2015 and the point guard went on to spend two seasons with the franchise.
#3 The Heat could wait until next summer to add a second All-Star
Much has been made of the Heat's attempts to land a second-star following the arrival of Jimmy Butler. Butler will turn 30 next month, and Pat Riley is believed to be eager to land a second star alongside the former Philadelphia man. However, Ira Winderman is reporting that help may not arrive until next summer unless Miami finds a way to move Goran Dragic:
It is a wait that could prove to be ongoing, possibly into next summer. In the end, it could come down to seeing if it can work alongside Goran Dragic, or else possibly flipping Goran at the trade deadline for something else.
Dragic almost left the Heat earlier this summer, although a deal broke down due to an alleged miscommunication. He will earn almost $20 million for the 19-20 season.
