The Miami Heat are fresh off a loss in the NBA Finals, but that doesn’t mean they’re doomed.
If anything, they’ve proven again that they’re just one piece away from going the distance, and they’re ready to pursue that piece in the offseason.
With that in mind, Heat insider Ira Winderman (via NBA Central) reported that Kyrie Irving has some interest in joining the team.
Winderman adds that the Heat would rather go after Damian Lillard and Bradley Beal, but added that there’s a realistic chance that Irving is also a target of theirs.
Kyrie Irving has some level of interest in joining the Miami Heat, but the Heat would prefer to go after Damian Lillard or Bradley Beal, per @IraHeatBeat
“I do think Kyrie Irving wants to come here… I don’t think the Heat are going to be subservient to Kyrie’s wishes. I will… pic.twitter.com/3U6aO80hDT
— NBACentral (@TheNBACentral) June 15, 2023
This is far from a surprise, considering the fact that they reportedly made a bid for Irving before last year’s trade deadline.
Moreover, they’ve been after a Kyle Lowry upgrade almost since he arrived in Florida, given that he’s been far from his best since leaving the Toronto Raptors.
Of course, acquiring Irving will always come with some risk, but Pat Riley has found success with misfits and outcasts way too many times in his career.
Irving is one of the most talented and versatile offensive forces in the league, a guard with a big man’s footwork, and with arguably the greatest handles in the history of basketball.
Maybe teaming up with Jimmy Butler is what he needs to keep basketball first and foremost, and there’s no denying that adding a 25+ point scorer to that gritty and pesky team could be just what they need to finally get over the hump and win another ring.
NEXT: Nikola Jokic Reveals Funny Story About Finals MVP Trophy
