Hoops Wire

Category: Heat

Latest Miami Heat Rumors and News.

  • East Notes: Heat, Jimmy Butler, Pacers, Hawks

    East Notes: Heat, Jimmy Butler, Pacers, Hawks

    Heat

    It will be a big year for star forward Jimmy Butler and the Heat, as Butler is suddenly facing his share of doubters.Jimmy Butler, Miami Heat, NBA news 

    Butler, who will be 35 at the start of the season, was ranked sixth on the HoopsHype list of top 30 small forwards.

    “It’s unclear how hand in hand that is with Miami choosing not to sign Butler to the max extension he was eligible for this summer but either way, the star forward chose not to make a fuss about it,” wrote HoopsHype’s Frank Urbina.

    Butler was ranked one spot behind Paul George, formerly of the Clippers and now of the 76ers.

    “For Butler, 2024-25 will be about proving he can stay healthy and not miss so much regular-season time, especially if the soon-to-be-35-year-old is expecting to get one more huge contract in Miami,” Urbina wrote.

    • By the way, guard Tyler Herro said he believes Miami is deep enough to win the title next season. No, really. We have that full post here.

    Pacers

    Guard Andrew Nembhard likely would be the ultimate X-factor for any team, and that is indeed the case for the Pacers, per Grant Hughes of Bleacher Report.

    “Nembhard’s postseason averages of 14.9 points and 5.5 assists are reachable across a full season, even if he’s not going to match the 56.0/48.3/76.9 shooting split he managed in 17 playoff games,” Hughes wrote. “That level of production next to Tyrese Haliburton would either render Bennedict Mathurin expendable or relegate him to the Sixth Man duties his score-only profile has long suggested fits him best.”

    That’s interesting, given Mathurin looked on his way to regular All-Star appearances as a rookie two seasons ago.

    “Mathurin was the No. 6 overall pick in 2022 and his career scoring average of 15.8 points per game shows he can fill it up,” Hughes added. “But the Pacers won’t be able to justify extending Mathurin if Nembhard continues to be the better overall player at the same position—certainly not with Haliburton and Pascal Siakam already locked in at max rates.”

    Hawks

    Where the Hawks fit in the Eastern Conference standings this season is one of the NBA’s biggest mysteries. A lot of it may come down to No. 1 overall pick Zaccharie Risacher and how ready he is to make an immediate impact.

    Another factor undoubtedly will be the rise of forward Jalen Johnson. Can he keep a good thing going?

    Of course, when talking Hawks, we all know it starts with Trae Young — perhaps now more than ever, given how the team traded Dejounte Murray to the Pelicans.

    This was all covered in an excellent piece by Jackson Caudell of SI.com.

    “While I don’t view the Hawks as a top contender in the Eastern Conference, I actually think they are being underrated right now. I think trading Dejounte Murray is a plus for this team and they have a roster that makes more sense and fits around Trae Young better,” Caudell wrote. “They also have proven veteran depth that they can count on, namely Bogdan Bogdanovic, De’Andre Hunter, Larry Nance and Clint Capela. I think a lot of the Hawks’ season is going to come down to the growth of younger players on their roster.”

    • For the record, I’m on board with all of this. Atlanta should be better this season than last, as I suggested in my appearance on Bleav in Hawks.
  • East Notes: Hornets, Tre Mann, Heat, Knicks

    East Notes: Hornets, Tre Mann, Heat, Knicks

    Hornets

    Guard Tre Mann may be the biggest X-factor for the Hornets this year, wrote Grant Hughes of Bleacher Report.Tre Mann, Hornets, NBA

    Mann, of course, was acquired from the Thunder as part of a trade involving since-retired forward Gordon Hayward in February.

    In 28 games with the Hornets, mann averaged 11.9 points, 5.2 assists, and 4.5 rebounds, shooting 45% from the field and 36% on 3-pointers.

    “Late-season samples can be misleading, and it wasn’t just the Oklahoma City Thunder’s depth that limited Mann’s opportunities on his previous team,” Hughes wrote. “But the combo guard looked like a real rotation option after landing in Charlotte.

    “Of Mann’s 21 double-digit scoring performances last season, 18 came with the Hornets. Crafty on the ball and flashing playmaking chops for the first time in his career, Mann could be the kind of rising talent a rebuilder like the Hornets desperately needs. With good size at 6-foot-5 and a high level of comfort on or off the ball, Mann projects as a good fit with Charlotte’s top young pieces, LaMelo Ball and Brandon Miller.”

    There are other reasons to believe.

    “There were even a few indicators that Mann, not known as a defender, could help out on the other end as well,” Hughes added. “Though slight of frame and inexperienced, the 2021 first-rounder showed an active, disruptive streak in Charlotte last year, ranking in the 91st percentile at his position in steal rate. If he replicates or builds on that production, Mann would give the Hornets an intriguing third guard with the potential to be more than that.”

    • Charlotte head of basketball operations Jeff Peterson isn’t ruling out rookie forward Tidjane Salaun being a rotational player. “I never want to sit here and limit a player,” Peterson told reporters. “Ultimately, you don’t know in terms of how good they can be. I know he’s going to maximize himself because he works, he’s going to put the time in the weight room, on the court.”

    Heat

    While the offseason hardly has been notable, the Heat could have some reasons to believe. At least, that seems to be the belief of veteran NBA insider David Aldridge of The Athletic.

    “At this writing, Miami is hunkering down with its current core rather than looking to make a big splash via trade, as it explored all through last summer with Damian Lillard,” Aldridge wrote. “The Heat have reason to believe they can contend next season with a return to health from Jimmy Butler, a full season from Terry Rozier and another young big in Kel’el Ware to back up Bam Adebayo.

    “I’m not quite as sanguine about Miami’s chances to seriously contend in the East, especially after Philly and New York loaded up to challenge Boston, without a bigger offseason move. But Miami has always done things its way and believed in its own people, and usually with good results.”

    Knicks

    Knicks legend Walt Frazier is among the many who believe in the team’s chances to be a true contender next season.

    New York last won a championship 51 years ago.

    “I see the vibes,” Frazier said, via Zach Braziller of the New York Post. “I see a lot of similarities with [our] championship teams, starting with the coach. [Tom Thibodeau] is a lot like Red Holzman. He holds the guys accountable, and they’re defensive-oriented, and the players actually like each other.

    “I think this is going to be our year. Obviously, health is going to play a big factor into it. But if the Knicks can stay healthy, I think we can get back to our former grandeur.”

  • Tyler Herro Believes Heat Are Deep Enough To Win Title Next Season

    Tyler Herro Believes Heat Are Deep Enough To Win Title Next Season

    Tyler Herro believes the Miami Heat are deep enough to win the NBA title next season. 

    NBA, Heat, Tyler Herro
    Issac Baldizon/NBAE via Getty Images

    The Heat lost to the Boston Celtics in the first round of the 2024 playoffs in five games. All-Star Jimmy Butler missed the entire series with a knee injury. 

    “I’m really excited for this season,” Herro told Mat Issa of Forbes. “Obviously, there are a lot of teams in the East that think they have externally improved. But I think we’ve improved internally. It may look a little different, but we have young guys that we hope will continue to get better. Bam Adebayo and I are young guys who are starting to become full-fledged veterans in this league. Terry Rozier is healthy now and ready to compete. Then you have Jimmy Butler, who is extra motivated after not being able to play in the playoffs last season.”

    The Heat went 46-36 last season. Herro only played in 42 games due to injuries. 

    “We haven’t been healthy yet,” Herro said. “But we feel like when we do get healthy, we have a very deep team – a team that is deep enough to make a run in the East and ultimately win the NBA title.”

    Herro averaged 20.8 points, 5.3 rebounds, 4.5 assists, 0.7 steals and 0.1 blocks in 2023-24 while shooting 44.1% from the field, 39.6% from beyond the arc and 85.6% from the free-throw line.

    The Heat were 23-19 with the guard in the lineup. 

    Herro, who will make $29 million next season, has career averages of 18.1 points, 4.9 rebounds, 3.6 assists, 0.7 steals and 0.2 blocks. He won the 2021-22 Sixth Man of the Year Award. 

    “My biggest thing right now is developing my body and trying to get stronger so that I can stay as healthy as possible throughout the season,” Herro said. “As for adding to my strengths, I really want to sharpen up my efficiency to maximize my abilities as a scorer.”

  • NBA Legend Isiah Thomas On LeBron James: ‘He’s The Best That I’ve Ever Seen’

    NBA Legend Isiah Thomas On LeBron James: ‘He’s The Best That I’ve Ever Seen’

    NBA legend Isiah Thomas believes LeBron James is the greatest basketball player ever. 

    NBA, Isiah Thomas, LeBron James
    Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images

    Thomas spoke about LeBron during an interview with Kory Woods of MLive.com.

    “I think when you look at, like I say, he’s touched and he leads in almost every statistical category. He’s passed Kareem in scoring,” Thomas said about LeBron. “I think he’s got the most playoff points. Not only that, when you look at the assist column, I know where I stand on the assist record. I think he’s passed me; I think he’s passed Magic on the assist record. I mean, so when you talk about passing, scoring, rebounding, we’ve never had a player in the NBA that has touched every statistical category and leads in some of these statistical categories that we’re talking about.

    “There’s never been another player like him. Now, everyone has their favorites, but if the numbers don’t lie, the numbers don’t lie. And he definitely passes the eye test. So to me, he’s the best that I’ve ever seen from a team standpoint and also as a basketball player.”

    LeBron is a four-time MVP, a four-time Finals MVP and a four-time champion. He has career averages of 27.1 points, 7.5 rebounds, 7.4 assists, 1.5 steals and 0.7 blocks with the Cleveland Cavaliers, Miami Heat and Los Angeles Lakers.

    LeBron is the only player in NBA history to rank top five all-time in points and assists, the only player to win three Finals MVPs with three different teams, the only player with 30,000 points, 10,000 rebounds and 10,000 career assists and the only player to score 40,000 points. 

    LeBron, 39, became the leading scorer in NBA history in 2023, passing Kareem Abdul-Jabbar. 

    A future Hall of Famer, LeBron is first in NBA history in points, fourth in assists, eighth in steals, second in field goals, eighth in 3-point field goals, fifth in triple-doubles, seventh in points per game and third in player efficiency rating.

  • Trade Proposal Sends Kyle Kuzma To Heat, Malcolm Brogdon To Magic

    Trade Proposal Sends Kyle Kuzma To Heat, Malcolm Brogdon To Magic

    One NBA analyst proposed a three-team trade idea between the Washington Wizards, Miami Heat and Orlando Magic. 

    NBA, Heat, Wizards, Magic, Malcolm Brogdon, Kyle Kuzma
    Cameron Browne/NBAE via Getty Images

    Greg Swartz of Bleacher Report proposed the following mock trade between the Wizards, Heat and Magic:

    Miami Heat Receive: F Kyle Kuzma

    Orlando Magic Receive: PG Malcolm Brogdon, G/F Josh Richardson, 2026 second-round pick (via Los Angeles Lakers)

    Washington Wizards Receive: G Cole Anthony, F Jett Howard, F Nikola Jović, F Duncan Robinson, 2029 first-round pick (top-5 protected, via Miami Heat*)

    Kuzma averaged 22.2 points, 6.6 rebounds, 4.2 assists, 0.5 steals and 0.7 blocks for the Wizards in 2023-24 while shooting 46.3% from the field, 33.6% from beyond the arc and 77.5% from the free-throw line. He’ll make $23.5 million next season.  

    A talented scorer, Kuzma has career averages of 17.3 points, 6.4 rebounds, 2.7 assists, 0.6 steals and 0.6 blocks with the Los Angeles Lakers and Wizards. He won the 2020 NBA championship with the Lakers over the Heat in six games at the Walt Disney World bubble. 

    “After finishing as the No. 8 seed in the East and going through the play-in tournament last year, the Heat could use a little more firepower to get them back toward the top of the East,” Swartz wrote. “Kuzma, 29, averaged 22.2 points, 6.6 rebounds, 4.2 assists and made 35.5 percent of his catch-and-shoot threes last season. He’d be an ideal starting power forward between Jimmy Butler and Bam Adebayo as a scoring threat who can space the floor and serve as a willing passer.”

    Brogdon averaged 15.7 points, 3.8 rebounds, 5.5 assists, 0.7 steals and 0.2 blocks for the Portland Trail Blazers last season while shooting 44.0% from the field, 41.2% from beyond the arc and 81.9% from the free-throw line. He’ll make $22.5 million next season in the final year of his contract. 

    The Blazers traded Brogdon to the Wizards this offseason. Brogdon has career averages of 15.4 points, 4.2 rebounds, 4.7 assists, 0.8 steals and 0.2 blocks with the Milwaukee Bucks, Indiana Pacers, Boston Celtics and Blazers. 

    “Signing Kentavious Caldwell-Pope was great for Orlando, although he does little to improve its offensive creation issue,” Swartz wrote. “Bringing in a proven point guard such as Brogdon (15.7 points, 3.8 rebounds, 5.5 assists, 41.2 percent from three) would inject some life into this Orlando offense.”

  • Report: Heat, 76ers Didn’t Strongly Pursue Lauri Markkanen Trade With Jazz

    Report: Heat, 76ers Didn’t Strongly Pursue Lauri Markkanen Trade With Jazz

    According to NBA reporter Brett Siegel of ClutchPoints, the Miami Heat and Philadelphia 76ers didn’t strongly pursue a Lauri Markkanen trade with the Utah Jazz. 

    Utah Jazz, Lauri Markkanen, NBA, Miami Heat, Philadelphia 76ers, Sixers
    Patrick Smith/Getty Image

    The Jazz never were presented with an offer that caused them to seriously consider trading Markkanen, who signed a five-year, $238 million deal with Utah on August 7. 

    Markkanen can’t be traded during the 2024-25 season now. 

    One of the best forwards in the NBA, Markkanen averaged 23.2 points, 8.2 rebounds, 2.0 assists, 0.9 steals and 0.5 blocks in 2023-24 for the Jazz while shooting 48.0% from the floor, 39.9% from beyond the arc and 89.9% from the free-throw line.

    A one-time All-Star, Markkanen has career averages of 18.1 points, 7.3 rebounds, 1.5 assists, 0.7 steals and 0.5 blocks with the Chicago Bulls, Cleveland Cavaliers and Jazz. He won the 2022-23 Most Improved Player of the Year Award with Utah.

    “They’ve all showed their belief in me, from the ownership to the front office to Will (Hardy),” Markkanen told NBA insider Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN. “It’s a comfortable environment and those guys’ résumés speak for themselves. I trust in the organization to help grow me as a person and a player, to build our team, and I’m ready to take on the challenge.”

    The Jazz are 54-67 with Markkanen in the lineup. 

    “Once I got traded to Utah, the organization and city immediately embraced me, and it’s been a family-oriented place — especially with me having my own little kids now,” Markkanen told ESPN. “It’s been an easy transition to basketball and easy off the court. I’ve grown comfortable building all of these relationships, and it’s been a great place for me to grow as a person.”

    The Sixers signed Paul George in free agency. They now have a “Big 3” of George, Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey. 

    Meanwhile, the Heat didn’t make a big move this offseason. Their most notable addition is veteran Alec Burks. 

  • NBA Insider Shares ‘Speculative’ Info He’s Heard About Anthony Edwards Requesting Trade To Heat

    NBA Insider Shares ‘Speculative’ Info He’s Heard About Anthony Edwards Requesting Trade To Heat

    Dan Le Batard recently shared speculative NBA information he’s heard that could land Anthony Edwards with the Miami Heat. 

    NBA, Heat, Timberwolves, Erik Spoelstra
    David Berding/Getty Images

    Take a listen:

    “I have partial information on something that will be explosive if it happens,” Le Batard said. “And I’m just gonna set you up for something here that is speculative right now but is something to keep an eye on. Glen Taylor is the owner of the Timberwolves and I don’t think anyone considers him a good owner. And he sold the team to Alex Rodriguez. There’s an arbitration coming up in which we’re going to find out who gets that team. Is it gonna be Glen Taylor or is it gonna be A-Rod?

    “And this is what you need to watch out for, okay. If Glen Taylor keeps the team, what’s going to happen after that is they’re gonna lose their team president Tim Connelly. He’s gonna leave because he signed a long-term deal with the A-Rod team and I think it’s contingent, I believe, on A-Rod being the owner.

    “Everybody thought A-Rod was gonna be the owner of that team. And if Tim Connelly leaves, the next step on that is Anthony Edwards possibly wanting to leave with him and requesting a trade to Miami.”

    The Minnesota Timberwolves signed Edwards to a five-year, $244 million extension in July 2023. Edwards, one of the best players in the NBA, will make $42.2 million next season. 

    A two-time All-Star, Edwards averaged 25.9 points, 5.4 rebounds and 5.1 assists in 2023-24 while shooting 46.1% from the field, 35.7% from beyond the arc and 83.6% from the free-throw line. 

    Edwards was the first overall pick in the 2020 NBA Draft. He holds career averages of 22.9 points, 5.2 rebounds and 4.1 assists. 

    The Heat lost to the Boston Celtics in the first round of the 2024 playoffs in five games, while the Timberwolves lost to the Dallas Mavericks in the Western Conference Finals in five games. 

  • Trade Proposal Sends Collin Sexton, Walker Kessler To Heat, Terry Rozier, Nikola Jovic To Jazz

    Trade Proposal Sends Collin Sexton, Walker Kessler To Heat, Terry Rozier, Nikola Jovic To Jazz

    One NBA analyst proposed that the Miami Heat trade Terry Rozier and Nikola Jovic to the Utah Jazz for Collin Sexton and Walker Kessler. 

    NBA, Heat, Jazz
    Issac Baldizon/NBAE via Getty Images

    Ishaan Bhattacharya of Fadeaway World proposed the following mock trade between the Heat and Jazz:

    Miami Heat Receive: Collin Sexton, Walker Kessler

    Utah Jazz Receive: Terry Rozier, Nikola Jovic, 2028 First-Round Pick Swap (MIA), 2029 First-Round Pick (MIA)

    Sexton averaged 18.7 points, 2.6 rebounds, 4.9 assists, 0.8 steals and 0.2 blocks in 2023-24 while shooting 48.7% from the field, 39.4% from beyond the arc and 85.9% from the free-throw line. He’ll make $18.4 million next season. 

    Kessler averaged 8.1 points, 7.5 rebounds, 0.9 assists, 0.5 steals and 2.4 blocks while shooting 65.4% from the field, 21.1% from beyond the arc and 60.2% from the free-throw line. He’ll make $2.9 million next season. 

    The Jazz are open to trading Sexton and Kessler for the right price, NBA sources told Hoops Wire.

    Rozier played for the Charlotte Hornets and Heat this past season. He averaged 19.8 points, 4.0 rebounds, 5.6 assists, 1.0 steals and 0.3 blocks while shooting 44.3% from the field, 36.3% from beyond the arc and 86.9% from the free-throw line. He’ll make $24.9 million next season. 

    Jovic averaged 7.7 points, 4.2 rebounds, 2.0 assists, 0.5 steals and 0.3 blocks while shooting 45.2% from the field, 39.9% from beyond the arc and 70.2% from the free-throw line. He’ll make $2.5 million next season. 

    “Trading away the rights to two picks and a 21-year-old for two players who can contribute instantly doesn’t seem that bad a deal,” Bhattacharya wrote in his NBA trade column. “Given one of the picks is a swap, the Heat would still have a pick in that Draft. If they’re good, it likely won’t convey, with players like Sexton and Jazz young enough to remain competent four years from now. 

    “There would be concerns about the fit but we’ve seen Bam Adebayo thrive as a four-man for Team USA, showing the rapid improvements he’s made in his shooting stroke. He doesn’t need to be a sniper, but the Heat have the pieces to run Kessler-Adebayo lineups with Bam flashing out to the three-point line. Defensively, it covers up Adebayo’s only weakness, which is vertical rim protection. That’s Kessler’s forte, with his lack of mobility being covered phenomenally by Adebayo.

    “The Jazz get a valuable young piece and two picks for players with questionable trade value. Rozier could lead to further assets down the line for the franchise, which could add more value to this deal. The Heat need to commit to a direction rather than waiting out whatever happens with Jimmy Butler. Even if he thinks about leaving at the end of the year, these players create more of a structure the Heat can rely upon beyond Butler’s departure.”

  • East Notes: Bucks, Roster Upgrades, Pacers, Heat

    East Notes: Bucks, Roster Upgrades, Pacers, Heat

    Bucks

    The Bucks deserve high marks for their offseason additions, according to ESPN reporter Kevin Pelton, who gave a “B-plus” to Milwaukee.Gary Trent Jr, Raptors, Bucks, NBA

    “Signing Gary Trent Jr. for the minimum turned Milwaukee’s offseason around,” Pelton wrote. “Before adding Trent, the Bucks had no capable replacement for (Malik Beasley‘s) shooting in the starting five. Trent, a 39% career 3-point shooter, fills that role as a more capable defender and shot-creator than the more limited Beasley.”

    That wasn’t the Bucks’ only obvious on-paper improvement.

    “Milwaukee upgraded from Patrick Beverley and Jae Crowder as veteran backups to Taurean Prince and Delon Wright,” Pelton noted. “Adding so much experience on minimum contracts makes it clearer why the Bucks looked long term in June, drafting 19-year-old guard AJ Johnson with the No. 23 pick.”

    Pacers

    The Pacers haven’t made many notable moves, beyond perhaps signing center James Wiseman, but that’s OK. They are coming off a run to the Eastern Conference finals and only need to build on that. Pelton gave them a “C-plus” for their offseason.

    “The Pacers locked in much of the roster that took them to last season’s Eastern Conference finals, re-signing Pascal Siakam (four years at the max) and key reserve Obi Toppin (four years, $58 million guaranteed) before agreeing with guard Andrew Nembhard to a three-year extension worth $59 million,” Pelton wrote.

    Now, the status of center Myles Turner looms.

    “Those new deals mean Indiana has gone from using cap space last summer to having a 2025 crunch with Turner headed toward unrestricted free agency,” Pelton added. “If the Pacers can extend Turner without pushing into the luxury tax, their offseason spending will look much better.”

    Heat

    Forward Caleb Martin left for the 76ers and that is likely to prove costly for the Heat, who landed a “C-minus” grade from Pelton for their offseason thus far.

    “Financial issues helped cost the Heat Caleb Martin, who declined an extension offer in conjunction with exercising his $7.1 million player option,” Pelton wrote. “Given Martin’s base salary ($8.1 million plus $1.2 million incentives) didn’t come in dramatically higher than that figure, it’s worth wondering whether Miami should have saved elsewhere in order to bring him back.

    “Instead, the Heat re-signed forward Haywood Highsmith and center Kevin Love and added veteran guard Alec Burks. Burks is valuable at the minimum but he’s another perimeter player on a roster full of them that’s thin on combo forwards similar to Martin.

    That said, the summer hasn’t been a total loss for Miami. And hey, there’s still time.

    • The most recent addition to the Heat roster? Try shooting guard Josh Christopher, the summer standout who landed a two-way deal. That was about two weeks ago. We have that full story here.
  • Blockbuster Trade Proposal Sends Bulls’ Zach LaVine To Heat

    Blockbuster Trade Proposal Sends Bulls’ Zach LaVine To Heat

    One NBA analyst proposed that the Miami Heat acquire Zach LaVine from the Chicago Bulls. 

    Zach LaVine, Heat, Bulls, NBA
    Melissa Tamez/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

    Ishaan Bhattacharya of Fadeaway World proposed the following mock trade between the Bulls and Heat:

    Miami Heat Receive: Zach LaVine

    Chicago Bulls Receive: Terry Rozier, Duncan Robinson, 2027 Second-Round Pick (MIA)

    LaVine and the Bulls want to part ways, but Chicago hasn’t found a taker for the veteran shooting guard due to his injury history and massive contract. 

    LaVine played in just 25 games in 2023-24. He underwent season-ending right foot surgery in February.

    A two-time All-Star and a two-time Slam Dunk Contest champion, LaVine averaged 19.5 points, 5.2 rebounds, 3.9 assists, 0.8 steals and 0.3 blocks in 2023-24 while shooting 45.2% from the field, 34.9% from beyond the arc and 85.4% from the free-throw line.

    LaVine signed a five-year, $215 million contract with the Bulls in July 2022 during unrestricted free agency. 

    A UCLA product, LaVine has career averages of 20.5 points, 4.1 rebounds, 3.9 assists, 0.9 steals and 0.3 blocks with the Minnesota Timberwolves and Bulls.

    The Bulls missed the playoffs in 2024, while the Heat lost to the Boston Celtics in the first round in five games. 

    Miami would have a “Big 3” of LaVine, Jimmy Butler and Bam Adebayo if the Heat’s front office acquired LaVine from the Bulls. 

    LaVine hasn’t requested a trade from the Bulls, but he’s not happy in Chicago. According to NBA reporter Jamal Collier of ESPN, LaVine has felt “singled out” during Bulls film sessions.

    “LaVine has also felt singled out during film sessions and feels like he has taken too much blame for the team’s losing during his tenure — which has produced one playoff appearance in seven years — despite other roster failings, sources told ESPN,” Collier reported. 

    The Bulls acquired LaVine from the Timberwolves in 2017. They have made the playoffs once in the LaVine era, losing to the Milwaukee Bucks in the first round in 2022 in five games.  

    Chicago traded Butler to Minnesota for LaVine in 2017. It would be ironic if LaVine and Butler became teammates in Miami. 

  • Devin Booker Wanted To Get Drafted By Heat In 2015

    Devin Booker Wanted To Get Drafted By Heat In 2015

    Devin Booker said on D’Angelo Russell‘s podcast that he wanted to get drafted by the Miami Heat in the 2015 NBA Draft. 

    NBA, Suns, Heat, Devin Booker
    Christian Petersen/Getty Images

    The Heat selected Justise Winslow with the 10th overall pick in the 2015 NBA Draft, while Booker went to the Phoenix Suns at 13. 

    “That’s where I was hoping,” Booker said about going to the Heat. “Cuz Miami was my best workout. And then I remember, I think Pat Riley, he did an interview and he’s like we’re looking for a Klay Thompson-type player. We need to up our shooting. I just shot 40 (percent) in college. I’m like, ‘Oh yeah.’ I’m looking at spots right down there by the arena.”

    Booker has established himself as one of the best players in the NBA, while Winslow is not in the NBA anymore. The Heat clearly should have drafted Booker. 

    A four-time All-Star, Booker has career averages of 24.3 points, 4.0 rebounds, 5.0 assists, 0.9 steals and 0.3 blocks. He’s made two All-NBA teams. 

    Booker averaged 27.1 points, 4.5 rebounds, 6.9 assists, 0.9 steals and 0.4 blocks this past season for the Suns while shooting 49.2% from the floor, 36.4% from beyond the arc and 88.6% from the free-throw line. The Kentucky product will make $49.4 million next season.

    Booker, who scored 70 points against the Boston Celtics during the 2016-17 season, signed a four-year, $221 million extension with the Suns in July 2022. 

    According to NBA insider Gerald Bourguet of PHNX Sports, the New York Knicks “would be willing to offer almost anything” to the Suns for Booker.

    New York has been interested in acquiring Booker since 2020. 

    “According to that source, the Knicks have been interested in Booker dating back to Leon Rose’s instatement as team president back in 2020,” Bourguet wrote. “Rose, a former CAA player agent prior to being hired by New York, once served as Booker’s representation, and other Knicks personnel with connections to the 27-year-old Suns star recently put out feelers about his potential interest in coming to New York.”

    The Suns are not looking to trade Booker, Kevin Durant or Bradley Beal. 

  • Mike Krzyzewski Calls Out LeBron James Haters: ‘They’re Just Crazy’

    Mike Krzyzewski Calls Out LeBron James Haters: ‘They’re Just Crazy’

    Legendary Duke basketball head coach Mike Krzyzewski called out LeBron James haters during an appearance on The Herd with Colin Cowherd. LeBron is arguably the best player in NBA history, but he is one of the most scrutinized athletes ever. 

    Mike Krzyzewski, NBA, LeBron James
    Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE via Getty Images

    Krzyzewski and LeBron have a close relationship. They won two gold medals together on Team USA in 2008 and 2012. 

    LeBron is a four-time MVP, a four-time Finals MVP and a four-time champion. He has career averages of 27.1 points, 7.5 rebounds, 7.4 assists, 1.5 steals and 0.7 blocks with the Cleveland Cavaliers, Miami Heat and Los Angeles Lakers.

    The leading scorer in NBA history, LeBron is the only player to rank top five all-time in points and assists, the only player to win three Finals MVPs with three different teams, the only player with 30,000 points, 10,000 rebounds and 10,000 career assists and the only player to score 40,000 points. 

    LeBron, 39, averaged 25.7 points, 7.3 rebounds, 8.3 assists, 1.3 steals and 0.5 blocks for the Lakers in 2023-24 in 71 games while shooting 54.0% from the field, 41.0% from 3 and 75.0% from the free-throw line. He’s the oldest player in the NBA. 

    LeBron hasn’t won a championship since 2020. According to NBA insider Sam Amick of The Athletic, The King “desperately wants to win at the highest of levels again.”

    “As Lakers owner Jeanie Buss has always said about this partnership, James’ happiness is the key to it all,” Amick wrote. “Yet while some have surmised that James might be content coasting in these final Lakers years, enjoying all the benefits of living in Los Angeles while continuing to make his incredible mark on the league’s history books, league sources say he desperately wants to win at the highest of levels again. What’s more, James’ unprecedented play at this stage means he remains open to the prospect of playing two, or even three, more seasons before retiring.”

  • Heat Sign Josh Christopher To Two-Way Contract

    Heat Sign Josh Christopher To Two-Way Contract

    The Miami Heat have signed shooting guard Josh Christopher to a two-way contract, the team announced in a press release.Josh Christopher, Heat, NBA

    Christopher, 22, is 6-foot-5 and was a standout for Las Vegas Summer League champion Heat, being named summer title game MVP. So many felt he was on his way to getting some sort of deal from somebody somewhere. That somebody is the Heat.

    In a related move, the Heat waived undrafted rookie Zyon Pullin from a two-way deal. Along with Christoper, the Heat have Dru Smith and Keshad Johnson on two-ways, for the NBA limit of three.

    Christopher spent his first two seasons with the Houston Rockets before being traded to the Memphis Grizzlies. He was eventually waived by the Grizzlies, before latching on with the Utah Jazz, who released him in January.

    But again, his summer run showed there is likely a spot for him in the league.

    “The 24th pick in the 2021 draft came through in the clutch repeatedly during this July showcase. There was the 20-point, fourth-quarter explosion vs the Oklahoma City Thunder, the clutch and-1 against the Golden State Warriors to send them to the Summer League Championship, and then his 24-point (six three-pointers) performance that included a step-back three-pointer from the logo,” wrote Will Salinas of Fansided.

    Christopher carries NBA career averages of 6.9 points, 1.9 rebounds and 1.6 assists, shooting 45.5% from the field and 27.7% on 3-pointers, in 138 games. He did not appear in a game last season.

    Also, in case you missed it, the Heat recently signed forward Haywood Highsmith to a two-year contract (not to be confused with two-way).

    Undrafted out of Division II Wheeling University in 2018, Highsmith found a spot with the Philadelphia 76ers, appearing in five games as a rookie. He then spent two years overseas before latching on with the Heat.

    This past season, he appeared in a career-high 66 games and averaged a career-best 6.1 points and 3.2 rebounds, shooting 46.5% from the field and 39.6% on 3-pointers.

  • ‘Blockbuster’ Trade Proposal Sends Trae Young To Heat, Tyler Herro, Duncan Robinson To Hawks

    ‘Blockbuster’ Trade Proposal Sends Trae Young To Heat, Tyler Herro, Duncan Robinson To Hawks

    One NBA analyst proposed that the Miami Heat trade Tyler Herro and Duncan Robinson to the Atlanta Hawks for Trae Young. 

    NBA, Heat, Hawks, Trae Young, Tyler Herro
    Issac Baldizon/NBAE via Getty Images

    Fran Leiva of Fadeaway World proposed the following mock trade between the Heat and Hawks:

    Heat receive: Trae Young

    Hawks receive: Tyler Herro, Duncan Robinson, 2031 first-round pick

    Young averaged 25.7 points, 2.8 rebounds, 10.8 assists, 1.3 steals and 0.2 blocks in 2023-24 for the Hawks while shooting 43.0% from the field, 37.3% from beyond the arc and 85.5% from the free-throw line. He recorded 37 double-doubles in 54 games. 

    Young signed a five-year, $215 million extension with the Hawks in August 2021. He’ll make $43 million next season.

    Young, who turns 26 in September, holds career averages of 25.5 points, 3.6 rebounds, 9.5 assists, 1.0 steals and 0.2 blocks. He doesn’t have a no-trade clause in his contract. 

    Herro averaged 20.8 points, 5.3 rebounds, 4.5 assists, 0.7 steals and 0.1 blocks for the Heat this past season while shooting 44.1% overall, 39.6% from 3 and 85.6% from the foul line. He’ll make $29 million next season. 

    Herro has career averages of 18.1 points, 4.9 rebounds, 3.6 assists, 0.7 steals and 0.2 blocks. He won the 2021-22 Sixth Man of the Year Award. 

    One of the top shooters in the NBA, Robinson averaged 12.9 points, 2.5 rebounds and 2.8 assists for the Heat in 2023-24 while shooting 45.0% from the field, 39.5% from 3 and 88.9% from the foul line. He’ll make $19.4 million in 2024-25. 

    An undrafted player, Robinson has career averages of 11.4 points, 2.7 rebounds, 1.7 assists, 0.5 steals and 0.2 blocks. 

    The Hawks already made one blockbuster trade this offseason, sending Dejounte Murray to the New Orleans Pelicans for Dyson Daniels, E.J. Liddell, Larry Nance Jr. and Cody Zeller.

    Atlanta selected Zaccharie Risacher with the first overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft. 

    The Heat would have a “Big 3” of Young, Bam Adebayo and Jimmy Butler if Miami’s front office — led by Hall of Famer Pat Riley — figured out a way to acquire Young from Atlanta. 

    The Boston Celtics beat the Heat in the first round of the 2024 playoffs in five games. Butler missed the entire series with a knee injury.