(Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
The Miami Heat were thought to be in the driver’s seat all summer long to land Damian Lillard from the Portland Trail Blazers after he demanded a trade to Miami.
But they struck out when a three-team trade was agreed to on Wednesday that will send him to the Milwaukee Bucks, a team that was already a legitimate championship contender.
Although the Heat have reached the NBA Finals twice in the last four seasons, they’re in great need of another legitimate scoring threat, as well as a high-level point guard.
Per NBACentral, Kevin O’Connor says the Heat may go after veteran Chris Paul if things don’t work out for him on the Golden State Warriors.
The Ringer’s Kevin O’Connor mentions Chris Paul as a potential trade target for the Miami Heat
“Let’s say things go poorly for CP3 with the Warriors. Not many teams need a lead point guard, and not many teams could offer playoff-ready assets in return. Miami could, though.”… pic.twitter.com/AaqUEaGFRq
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) September 28, 2023
Paul was sent to the Warriors early this summer in a trade that surprised many people, as the Warriors gave up guard Jordan Poole, one of their best young players.
The Warriors’ dynastic core of Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson, and Draymond Green is getting long in the tooth, and people seem divided on whether going after the 38-year-old Paul was the right move for them.
Paul’s game appears to be in decline — his scoring declined from 16.4 points a game in the 2020-21 season to 13.9 points a game last season while his efficiency has plunged — but he is still a maestro when it comes to being a floor general and getting others involved.
The problem for Miami is the fact that Paul has two years left on his contract at about $30 million per season, and thus they may have to give up a lot to get him, assuming the Warriors wouldn’t be interested in Kyle Lowry.
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