If the Miami Heat are dangerous right now, they could have taken their game to the next level if a blockbuster move took place before the trade deadline. Obviously, that never happened, and the Heat still managed to stay atop the Eastern Conference, surpassing impressive squads like the Milwaukee Bucks, Chicago Bulls, and Philadelphia 76ers.
They have a deep and talented roster to compete in the East, even against the powerhouses aforementioned, as well as the Brooklyn Nets. However, there was a slim chance for the Heat to add a player that would have helped them go over the hump and become serious title contenders.
During the first part of the season, the Boston Celtics duo of Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown were linked with moves away from TD Garden, and many people thought Brown would be dealt to land another star to play alongside Tatum. He was linked with a move for Damian Lillard, Ben Simmons, and even Bradley Beal, but nothing ever happened.
Yet, many people around the league believe that none of those players could have made it to Boston. Instead, Jaylen would have been traded to Miami, as the Heat were seen as ‘hopeful suitors’ for the former lottery pick.
Via Heat Nation:
“The Celtics had no intentions of exploring that scenario before this February’s deadline, but conversations increased around the league—and among people close to both players—about the likelihood of Boston revisiting that outcome this offseason,” wrote Bleacher Report’s Jake Fischer regarding the possibility of the duo being broken up. “Losing can spark wandering eyes. If Philadelphia had not been able to unload Ben Simmons, Brown would have been near the top of the [Philadelphia] Sixers’ wish list. Atlanta and Miami were often mentioned by league figures as hopeful Brown suitors, too.”
The Boston Celtics have turned around their 2021/22 NBA season, fighting with several teams to be the top seed in the Eastern Conference. Following a terrible first part of the campaign, the Greens are now one of the hottest teams in the league, led by Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown.
Not so long ago, they were struggling to get things going following a tumultuous offseason full of changes on the roster, the coaching staff, and the management. In the beginning, their star duo didn’t look strong to help them compete for a playoff spot, let alone win the championship. Everything is different now, as they are fighting for the top seed of the conference.
As for the Heat, nothing has changed for them. They remain a strong squad in the East, and even though they don’t have Brown on the roster, their team is talented enough to have a deep playoffs run.
