Signing that long-term extension with Bam Adebayo was really a no-brainer for the Heat. Just a few months removed from their Finals run, keeping him long-term gave them a sense of stability moving forward.
Unfortunately, it also compromised their future cap flexibility, making it rather difficult to sign Giannis Antetokounmpo, should he decide to leave the Bucks in 2021 free agency. Considering Giannis has been their target for at least a year now, it’d obviously be a huge blow if they miss out on him this summer.
They do have a Plan B, though, and his name is Bradley Beal.
(via Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald)
“If Giannis Antetokounmpo signs a max extension with the Bucks, Washington guard Bradley Beal becomes the No. 1 Heat target if or when he becomes available,” Jackson wrote. “The Heat’s interest remains very high, according to a source with direct knowledge.”
Report: Bradley Beal will be No. 1 target for Miami Heat if unable to land Giannis Antetokounmpohttps://t.co/IeCIXzLThn
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) December 1, 2020
Beal isn’t at the same level as Giannis, but his shooting and scoring skillset are both highly valuable in today’s NBA. Last season, with the Wizards, he averaged a career-high 30.5 points, 6.1 assists, and 4.2 rebounds per game on 45.5% shooting.
In Μiami, alongside Jimmy Butler and Bam Adebayo, he could thrive — and Pat Riley, who has been known to make bold moves in the past, has already expressed interest in acquiring his services
