Q: You may think I’m nuts, but I think the Heat should look into a Kyle Lowry-for-James Harden trade. Lowry looks pretty washed up. Harden led the league in assists and averaged 20 points and is a good 3-point shooter. He is still an All-Star-caliber player. With Harden, the Heat would have four 20-plus scorers in Harden, Jimmy Butler, Bam Adebayo and Tyler Herro. If the Heat can also make a deal for Damian Lillard, they would have four All-Star players on the team. – Joel, Fort Lauderdale.
A: Heck, the Heat might as well add Nikola Jokic, Giannis Antetokounmpo and Joel Embiid while they’re at it, as well. That is as far-fetched as any notion of Daryl Morey simply taking Kyle Lowry (and even some draft picks) for James Harden and calling it a day. It would take, more, far more, if for no other reason than Morey to save face. And I’m not sure I even would part with Tyler Herro for James Harden, considering Herro is under long-term contract, younger, and has shown an appreciation for team ball on both ends of the court, even as he struggles on one end. At what point does James Harden simply become too toxic for a contender to weigh such risks? The Clippers made some sense because of their desperation to win with Kawhi Leonard and Paul George. But I would think a hard pass would/should be Pat Riley’s approach with such foolishness.
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Q: Are we still dangling Tylor Herro for any type of trade? – Masoud, Tucson, Ariz.
A: Not “dangling.” Tyler simply is the Heat’s top asset at the moment. So that, by default, makes him the name in play if the Heat seek to upgrade beyond Bam Adebayo and Jimmy Butler. But it’s not as if Pat Riley is having Andy Elisburg call 29 other teams to see what the Heat can get for Tyler.
Q: It was nice to see Dwyane Wade, Bam Adebayo and Udonis Haslem together at the Hall of Fame. You can see how the torch has been passed. – Orv.
A: And just as Dwyane Wade consistently has returned for meaningful Heat moments, expect a similar presence with now-retired Udonis Haslem. As for Bam Adebayo, it is clear he is seeking to take on the leadership mantle.