The Miami Heat have had a summer full of swings and misses. They've been involved in trade talks across the league, with the most notable being their pursuit of Kevin Durant. Despite being considered one of the top contenders to land him, Durant ended up going to the Houston Rockets instead. The Heat were believed to have the best trade assets available.
“The Heat’s offer for Kevin Durant could become the top option if the Texas teams are not willing to increase their proposals soon. Miami can build an enticing package for the Suns around Andrew Wiggins, Nikola Jović and/or Jaime Jaquez, No. 20 overall pick, plus a future 1st,” Suns beat writer Evan Sidery wrote.
However, Heat legend Dwyane Wade believes Durant was never truly interested in coming to Miami, largely due to not wanting to follow in LeBron James’ footsteps.
“I said this 10 years ago when the HEAT were trying to get him then… he’s not following LeBron. Why are we recruiting somebody who’s not doing that?” Wade asked. “I didn’t like it then, and I didn’t like it now. I’m glad he’s in Houston. That ain’t it.”
Now, Miami could be considering a trade involving Bam Adebayo, who has long been a franchise cornerstone. Recently, Adebayo shared his thoughts on who he believes is the greatest player in Heat history—choosing between Wade and LeBron.
“Dwyane Wade’s the greatest player to walk through & have on a Heat jersey. When I retire that’s how I want to feel. I want to feel like it was DWade & there’s Bam. The two greatest to ever wear a Heat jersey. That’s how I think about when I retire,” Adebayo said.
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Adebayo may not get to live out that dream if he’s traded—but that’s the unfortunate reality of the business. For now, he remains on the roster and it gives him the potential to continue showing why he should be considered up there with Wade.