Heat
Kyrie Irving would be comfortable in Miami. That doesn’t mean the Heat are about to go get him.
That’s the word from Ethan Skolnick of 5ReasonsSports, who discussed Irving’s interest and the Heat’s patience, via ClutchPoints.
“I think we’ve both heard he’s interested in playing down in Miami. I also know Spoelstra holds him in very high regard,” Skolnick said. “All indications are this is a place he’d be comfortable.”
Skolnick doesn’t believe anything is imminent. His read is that Miami wants more time to evaluate Pelle Larsson and what Ryan Conwell can provide before making a move.
The Heat finally won after an 0-4 start, but Tracy McGrady still sees a roster that needs help.
“They don’t have enough scoring; they don’t have shooting,” McGrady said. “I think they’re gonna make some moves before the deadline to improve this team.”
That’s McGrady’s assessment. As for Irving, interest in playing somewhere and an actual trade are still two different things.
Lakers
The Lakers are among the teams keeping an eye on Pelicans forwards Trey Murphy III and Herb Jones, according to Chris Dodson of ClutchPoints, as relayed by Owen Crisafulli of Heavy.
Both would address something the Lakers could use. Murphy averaged 21.5 points last season and would give Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves another scoring option. Jones could take on difficult defensive assignments on the wing.
Getting either one, though, figures to be expensive.
Crisafulli notes that New Orleans has sought two first-round picks for Jones, while its asking price for Murphy discouraged suitors over the summer. The Lakers have limited trade assets, which makes meeting those prices a challenge.
The reporting points to interest and monitoring. It doesn’t establish that the Pelicans are ready to move either player, or that the Lakers are pursuing a package for both.
Suns
The Suns’ backcourt question is fairly straightforward. Devin Booker and Jalen Green can score. Who consistently gets them organized?
“There’s some growing frustration within that locker room for the simple fact that that roster does not have a point guard that can organize that offense,” Chris Haynes reported, via Heavy.
Heavy’s analysis points to Green’s long-term fit alongside Booker as something to watch. Green is being asked to create for others when scoring is his strength. Starting Collin Gillespie would provide a more traditional point guard, but also leave Phoenix with a smaller perimeter group.
The suggestion that Green could eventually become a trade candidate is analysis, not a report that Phoenix is shopping him. Haynes’ reporting concerns frustration with the offense, without identifying which players expressed it.
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