NBA Rumors Roundup: Bradley Beal looking to decline player option, Chicago Bulls targeting former NBA champion, and more | June 22nd, 2022

Pat Riley could trade the first-round pick of the Miami Heat for veteran help

Pat Riley could deal the Miami Heat's first-round pick for immediate help next season. [Photo: Sun Sentinel]

Team President Pat Riley will undoubtedly be salty following the Miami Heat’s loss to the Boston Celtics in the Eastern Conference Finals. They were the No. 1 seed and lost Game 7 in South Beach.

What should gnaw at Riley was how badly Miami needed injured All-Star forward Jimmy Butler to put on his superhero cape to carry the team. The team should be looking to retool in the offseason, which could involve trading its first-round pick.

Jeremy Woo of Sports Illustrated reported on how the Miami Heat could move their first-round draft capital:

“Rival teams believe there’s a good chance the Heat ultimately trade this pick, considering their salary cap situation and their knack for uncovering and developing undrafted talent.”

The Heat have managed to stay relevant by developing diamonds in the rough that have already started to contribute to their championship aspirations. They already have Gabe Vincent, Max Strus and Omer Yurtseven as part of a solid supporting cast.

Free agency might be where they will be able to get their best help of going back to the NBA Finals.

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Nic Batum will decline his last remaining year with the LA Clippers to also become a free agent

Nic Batum is now a free agent after declining his player option. [Photo: Clipperholics]

Nic Batum of the LA Clippers will join a growing list of players who have opted out of their current deal and become free agents. The French international has been a big part of the Clippers’ rotation over the last two years and is expected to re-sign with the team.

Batum has averaged 8.2 points, 4.5 rebounds, 2 assists and 1 steal per game in two years with the Clippers. His 40.2% shooting from long-range was essential in the team’s playoff run a season ago.

LA is reportedly looking to keep its core together after making moves during this year’s trade deadline. Head coach Ty Lue has repeatedly mentioned Batum’s importance in a team that will have Paul George and Kawhi Leonard healthy next season.

George, Leonard, Batum and Norman Powell form an intriguing battery of forwards that combines length, shooting and smarts. They will be tough to contend with if the Clippers keep the lineup intact.