Josh Richardson is hellbent on beating the Miami Heat next season, but it's not for the reason that you might think.
Richardson was traded by the Heat to the Philadelphia 76ers last month in exchange for All-Star forward Jimmy Butler. Although the incoming five-year vet told NBC Sports' Paul Hudrick that he has no hard feelings for his former team, he still wants to make sure that the Sixers get the win when they visit Miami next season, mainly because of his competitiveness.
“Honestly, when I come back here [Miami], I want to kill the Heat. I want to beat them by 20. That’s just how I’m built. If I was on the Heat, I would want to beat Philly by 50 because that’s just how the rivalry, how are teams went.”
Last season saw Richardson average 16.6 points, 3.6 rebounds, and 4.1 assists, all of which are his career highs. He was initially thought to be part of Miami's long-term future, but the team just wouldn't let the opportunity to acquire Butler slip out of their hands.
Although the Heat undoubtedly got the better player out of the trade, there is no denying the fact that Richardson is the one who's in a better position to contend for a championship. He's now part of a Sixers team that's expected to be the best defensive team in the league next season, and that's something that he's definitely thankful for.
Richardson doesn't really care what team he plays for. For him, he just want to be the best version of himself, and that competitive drive will definitely benefit him and Philly in the long run.
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