Now that Bucks All-Star forward Giannis Antetokounmpo is no longer going to be a 2021 free agent candidate for the Heat, Ira Winderman of The South Florida Sun Sentinel wonders if Miami might pivot to eventually adding Wizards shooting guard Bradley Beal, who holds a $37.26MM player option for the 2022/23 season. After swapping out point guard John Wall for All-Star Russell Westbrook in the offseason, the Wizards are off to a 1-5 start.
The 6’3″ Beal, 27, is a two-time All-Star and could be a great fit on the Heat as both a secondary ball-handler and an off-ball cutter. He is currently averaging a career-best 31.2 PPG on 47.8% shooting from the field and 87.7% shooting from the charity stripe. Though his three-point shooting through the first six games of the season is a low 27.3%, he is a career 37.9% three-point shooter, averaging 6.0 triples per contest over the course of his career.
There’s more out of the Southwest Division:
- The Hornets have had to adjust their rotation given the absence of starting center Cody Zeller, and their transition to a faster small-ball lineup has proven effective thus far, according to Rick Bonnell of the Charlotte Observer.
- In a separate piece, Rick Bonnell of the Charlotte Observer wonders how long Hornets head coach James Borrego will ride his current starting lineup. Starting point guard Devonte’ Graham is struggling mighty with his offense, shooting 25% from the floor, while rookie draft selection LaMelo Ball could be a candidate for a promotion.
- Wizards rookie wing Deni Avdija showcased his offensive skill set in his best game of the young season, a 130-109 Washington victory over the Timberwolves on Friday, according to Chase Hughes of NBC Sports Washington. Avdija, the No. 9 pick in the 2020 draft, scored 11 points on 4-of-7 shooting from the floor, and recorded seven rebounds, three assists, and three steals. Hughes contends that it Avdija appears to have made progress in his ability to read the floor. “I love playmaking,” Avidja said. “I like making my teammates involved. I’m looking for them at every opportunity.”
Beal should hit FA and then chose himself where he wants to go.
I think he would be a great fit in Memphis if they can create the cap space.
Have him with Ja, JJJ and so on.
Nah neal would probably want to go to a proven contender like phili or new Orleans of they improve, only way he picks Memphis is if they add someone else
If he hits free agency without getting moved he will certainly sign in Philly
Yeah cause Philly have lots of cap space to spend on someone like Beal.
Only way Beal ends up in Philly is a trade which isn’t happening.
He might want a contender but what team will have max cap space for him.
The Heat will, Mavs can make it easily but Lakers, Clippers, Nuggets, Bucks, Celtics, Nets, Sixers, GSW, Blazers all won’t have cap space and team like the Jazz and Suns are set at SG.
Memphis would be a smart choice in the fact they are all young and improving but are still a playoff team already. Plus the one thing they really lack is a lead scorer like Beal who can drop 25-30 a game.
Not to mention Ja is already a 20-8-4 guy, JJJ put up 17-5-2 last season in under 28 mins.
Ja Beal and JJJ in their primes could be amazing and they would all peak just as LeBron, Curry, Russ, Harden and others leave their primes. Plus KD and Kyrie together in the east, with Simmons and Embiid, Brown and Tatum, Antetokumpo Middelton and Holiday and so on. These 3 could take over the West
I don’t think you really understand the term “proven contender” because neither one you mentioned is. Philly is arguable, but they are more hype than actual results. And New Orleans is all hype thus far.
Proven contenders are teams like the Bucks, Clippers, Lakers, Celtics, Rockets, and Raptors. These are the teams that for the past several years are near the top of the standings.
None of which have cap space…. Raptors could let Lowry walk on Fa and trade for another expiring deal in order to get cap space but I can’t see them doing Lowry like that.
So back to what I said none of those teams will get Beal cause they can’t afford him hence why I mentioned other teams. Which is exactly what I wrote if you used your eyes
Clips… proven??? Ok… if you say so! SMH!
If I was a popular FA, say, BBeal… I would like Memphis… not really as a proven success, but as a steady one, a team that could set new standards while I (BB) break records. I mean, both things. Get my cake and eat it too! Too many players want both things and wind up frustrated… soccer players esp. don’t learn.
Morant- Beal- Winslow- JarenJ-Valens.
Quality reserves… BTW Whats up with Brandon Clark’s very slow start? Would he be sitting if JJJ wasn’t already?
From now on
Stars will be traded but not become FAs
Unless they signed one year deal like Durant
Knicks are already in deep trouble
There will be more stars going to FA. The upcoming class is weakening, but the Knicks need to take care of their own business anyway and actually slowly build something up over the next few years to lure a star player. The Knicks haven’t had an attractive situation to offer Star FA talent in years.
Nets got KD and Kyrie cause they had something to offer top players beyond just playing in NYC.
This^^^ ….If you actually build angood foundation it will attract a star player, especially in a big basketball market like New York, Chicago, LA, etc..
What was it that the Nets had that the Knicks didn’t have, other than the fact the Knicks owner is an idiot.
Tbh I would think that’s enough of a reason right there
Stars to hit FA in recent time.
LeBron, KD, Kyrie, Kawhi and so on…
Stars are going to keep going to FA don’t worry
I really hope that if the Sixers feel like they have to make a Ben Simmons trade that they choose Beal over Harden. Trade Simmons, Thybulle, 2-3 firsts, and pick swaps for the in between years. Embiid is 26 while Beal is 27 and their offensive games compliment each other.
Simmons, Thybulle AND 2-3 picks???? Way too high of an asking price. No team in the NBA would move that much to acquire Harden, let alone Beal.
I’d rather see Embiid for KAT.
Simmons is 24 and KAT is 25.
Avdija has an on/off of plus 36, and is 48% on 3s. Lamelo is hitting at 42% and a 17 PER is great for an NBA beginner.
The Heat will pivot to Beal-dreaming?— for 2023?— Why not list on Ebay… Wanted: Someone to wish for. The successful candidate will make us disdain the finalists we have already.
Agreed. Miami has built a good team through a team concept. Like BOS they now seem determined to screw up good chemistry with young talent by searching for a star elsewhere. No patience any more in the NBA. I blame impatient fans, although soaring ticket prices play a role as well. Ironically, overpaying for stars has impacted those ticket prices.
The way Wizard are playing. I could see Beal choosing FA. Heat is a good place for him. Chemistry between he, Jimmy, Bam s game looks good to me. It’s a good mix of talent. All different and good. Who knows if Wiz are out of it by TD. They could move him. Plenty of takers out there.
Beal wants to be the leader. I think Memphis is a sleeper. Maybe NYK.
Exactly, Beal isn’t going to want to be a third option on the Lakers or Clippers. He isn’t enough of a clout chaser to join GSW or the Bucks. The Celtics probably aren’t interested.
I think Memphis would be a great landing spot. He would be able to get a lot of touches and shots and probably average 25-30. Plus he would have a very solid backcourt partner in Ja. He would have a couple bigs that can shoot for the pick and roll game.
Memphis in order to make itself get enough cap space needs to keep Deing and make a trade or two for an expiring contract.
I’d look at giving up Valacuinas and targeting LaMarcus Aldridge’s expiring deal.
Hornets are actually an exciting team to watch. I wouldn’t at all be surprised if they made the playoffs…