Heat Secure $197 Million Superstar After Parting Ways With Andrew Wiggins.
Despite losing Jimmy Butler, the Miami Heat still have two All-Stars on their roster: Tyler Herro and Bam Adebayo.
Even though Adebayo isn’t playing at his best right now, bringing in a star this offseason might help him reach his full potential. Ja Morant of the Memphis Grizzlies is one player of that type who may be available; according to Howard Beck of The Ringer, executives are watching him.
ClutchPoints suggests that the Heat will sign Morant to a massive contract this summer to form a Big Three alongside Herro and Adebayo.
Julian Ojeda of ClutchPoints speculates that Miami could package Wiggins, Mitchell, and their first-round picks—depending on their value—along with Golden State’s selection to acquire Morant.
While Wiggins gives the Heat more flexibility, they missed out on the opportunity to sign rising Warriors prospects Jonathan Kuminga or Brandin Podziemski. He could either be a key trade asset as a salary matcher or contribute immediately to the team’s success.
“Miami appears to still be looking for a lead guard, as evidenced by their well-documented pursuit of Damian Lillard during the 2023 summer. Erik Spoelstra’s system would benefit greatly from Morant’s ability to generate shots and drive the tempo, Ojeda said.
NBA Announces Warriors-Heat Matchup for Jimmy Butler’s Return Game
The Golden State Warriors made a significant move at the trade deadline, determined to shake things up. While general manager Mike Dunleavy Jr.’s initial attempt fell through, he remained persistent. Had Kevin Durant been open to a midseason trade, the Warriors might have welcomed the 36-year-old star back to the Bay Area. Instead, they acquired Jimmy Butler from the Miami Heat, who had requested a trade over a month before the deadline.
Since Butler’s arrival, the Warriors have thrived, posting a 3-1 record with him in the lineup. In those four games, Butler has averaged 21.3 points per contest, giving Stephen Curry the co-star he desperately needed. Despite a strong start to the season, Golden State struggled leading up to the deadline, making Butler’s addition crucial for a final championship push as Curry’s career enters its later stages.
Butler’s Return Game to Miami Gets National Spotlight
As Butler prepares to face his former team, the NBA has announced that the Warriors-Heat matchup on March 25 will now air on TNT. Grant Afseth of Athlon Sports confirmed the news on X, stating, “The replacement for TNT is the Golden State Warriors versus Miami Heat game matchup, which would be Jimmy Butler’s return game.”
With more than a month before the highly anticipated showdown, Butler and the Warriors will have time to build chemistry, while the Heat focus on retooling around Tyler Herro and Bam Adebayo. Currently sitting at 28-27, Golden State remains in the thick of the playoff race, aiming to avoid the Play-In Tournament. Heat Secure $197 Million Superstar After Parting.
