The Miami Heat shocked the NBA when they landed a commitment from Jimmy Butler in a sign-and-trade deal with the Philadelphia 76ers. The Butler deal still has to be worked out due to a negotiation snafu, but the Heat are also reportedly looking at other ways to enhance their roster, and they could be targeting Bradley Beal from the Washington Wizards:
Per source in contact with one of the teams, Heat has engaged Washington in trade talk. Miami loves Beal, who has said Wizards told him he won't be traded. Taking on Wall (in order to get Beal) & Beal would be highly challenging with cap situation, even if Washington was willing.
— Barry Jackson (@flasportsbuzz) July 1, 2019
While the Heat covet Beal, complications stand in the way of a trade. For one, Beal has been told by the Wizards that he won't be dealt, and as of right now it doesn't look like they have much interest in changing their tune.
The second issue stems from John Wall. According to Jackson, the Heat might have to take on John Wall and his supermax contract in order to get Beal. While Wall is still a supremely talented guard, he's going to miss a lot of time in 2019-20, and his contract is widely seen as one of the worst in the NBA. The Heat also find themselves in a tough spot in terms of their salary cap situation and assets, and they would need to offload a ton of money in order to bring on Wall and Beal.
While the Heat may eventually find a way to bring on both stars, it’s tough to see happening. They’d likely have to move on from many of their current players, and would only be left with minimum space to sign on additional pieces. We’ve seen Pat Riley be willing to make these type of moves in the past, however, so it's no surprise he's trying to pair Jimmy Butler up with the likes of Beal and Wall.
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