Former NBA champion says Heat must get $347M future Hall of Famer, 9x All-Star to win Finals

Former NBA champion says Heat must get $347M future Hall of Famer, 9x All-Star to win Finals originally appeared on The Sporting News.
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The Miami Heat are looking to make some real noise in the Eastern Conference this season after missing the playoffs. Miami has built quite the squad heading into the season.

From the beginning of the summer, it was clear that the Heat were going to be aggressive. It all started with a trade for Giannis Antetokounmpo.

“The Milwaukee Bucks are trading franchise icon Giannis Antetokounmpo and Bobby Portis to the Miami Heat for Tyler Herro, Kel’el Ware, Jaime Jaquez Jr., Kasparas Jakucionis, three first-round picks (including No. 13 in Tuesday’s NBA draft), one pick swap and one second-round pick, sources told ESPN. The Heat are sending to Milwaukee unprotected first-rounders in 2031 and 2033 along with No. 13, a pick swap in 2030 and a 2033 second-rounder, according to sources,” ESPN’s Shams Charania wrote.

They also went on to get Klay Thompson after he cleared waivers following his release from the Dallas Mavericks.

“The Heat on Sunday could celebrate not only the addition of five-time All-Star guard Klay Thompson, but also the fact that the organization emerged from the transaction with more flexibility than some might have expected. Because Thompson agreed to a first year salary of $5.6 million, that left the Heat with the ability to fill both the 14th and 15th roster spots,” Miami Herald’s Barry Jackson wrote.

The moves have the Heat looking like legitimate championship contenders. However, former NBA champion Brendan Haywood believes they need to trade for Kyrie Irving to be able to win the Finals.

“I know Giannis don’t really want that jumper in the last 5 minutes…they need to figure out on bringing somebody in — we heard they were in on possibly Kyrie….when I look at Miami right now they might need to go find that closer…that’s why I brought up the name Kyrie, you talk about winning championship — you’re closer gotta be 1 of those ones,” Haywood said.

There is a possibility that Irving could become available on the trade block if the Mavericks’ season gets off to a slow start. If he becomes available, the Heat should at least look into the possibility of making a deal.

Irving has made $347 million throughout his career. Miami is looking for any chance to get to the Finals, but in order to win it, Haywood urges them to get Irving. It can happen, as the Heat could potentially work out a deal for the veteran guard.

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