ASK IRA: Have Knicks made themselves least of Heat’s concerns in Giannis chase?

Q: Ira, please help me get through this dilemma. I don’t want the Knicks to win, because I’m not from NYC and NY fans are already insufferable enough. And the fact that Trump plans to attend makes a possible Knicks sweep even more depressing, since he will claim that it was his presence that got them the championship trophy. At the same time, however, won’t a Knicks victory make it less likely the team would trade its championship assets for Giannis Antetokounmpo? In other words, as a Heat fan, shouldn’t I be rooting for NY? – Andy, Coral Gables.

A: At this point, no matter the result of what seems to be an already-decided NBA Finals, I cannot see the Knicks blowing up what they have in place. You don’t win this many playoff games in a row and then move on to the next thing, stripping away the assets that got you there in the first place. So feel free to root either way. But it also does not guarantee Giannis Antetokounmpo to the Heat or any specific team.

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Q: Ira, Giannis is in Miami, more than willing to take pictures. But he also is speaking about how much he wants to stay in Milwaukee. Now, he’s in Monaco, so I guess he will sign in Europe. He’s playing with us, isn’t he? – Sammy.

A: No, social media is playing with us, since the posts got you to notice in the first place. Now, is Giannis Antetokounmpo having fun with it all? Sure, it’s only sports, a game. Granted, to some his decision and destination will be more than a laughing matter, but there also needs to be perspective. Athletes, by nature, are performative. To them, this all is part of a game of a different sort. What matters is not getting caught up in what doesn’t matter. Giannis will move on if he wants to move on. A suitor will land him if they offer enough. And then social media will move to the next thing.

Q: If Andrew Wiggins opts out, is there still the option to do a sign-and-trade with him? If Wiggins opts out and Norman Powell leaves, aren’t we in big trouble?  – Dim, Philadelphia.

A: Yes, Andrew Wiggins can opt out and then agree to a sign-and-trade transaction in free agency. And, yes, there is a chance the Heat could move forward without both Andrew and Norman Powell. The Powell part of the equation likely will come down to Tyler Herro’s status with the Heat. To your greater point, this is why it was advocated in this space that the Heat should have moved both at February’s trade deadline for future assets. Instead, the Heat pushed forward toward a 10th-place finish and their first non-playoff season in seven years. Now the immediate future of their roster hangs in the free-agency balance.