Q: Ira, the Knicks traded Julius Randle for Karl-Anthony Towns and both teams are better for it. That should show the Heat that sometimes you have to shake it up. – Paul.
A: Fair point. But such a move typically comes when teams are attempting, for lack of better wording, to top off contending rosters that already are in place. For the Timberwolves, it was finding the best fit alongside Anthony Edwards and Rudy Gobert. For the Knicks, it was the best fit alongside Jalen Brunson. The reality is the Heat don’t have their Edwards or their Brunson. So for the Heat, a lateral move at the moment would be rearranging the deck chairs. It is when you get a foundational piece that you make the ancillary moves. So the debate for the Heat would be whether Bam Adebayo is that foundational piece. Based on the way the Heat have chased stars during Bam’s tenure, it seemingly says a lot about their thinking.
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Q: Ira, let us pretend for a chance I was the owner and I hired you to replace Pat Riley. What would be your plan to get this franchise to contend again and as a task we agreed on a three-year plan? – Jerry, Miami.
A: I don’t think it would be just a three-year plan. Oh, you could go out and get Giannis Antetokounmpo or Kawhi Leonard and patch things together for a run or two. But when talking about a blueprint, it likely would take needed time after consecutive 10th-place finishes. So I guess the first thing I would do is ask to be allowed a five-year plan. Now, that might not fit into the timetable of Bam Adebayo. But when you look at the teams that have gotten to the top of the standings and are positioned to stay there, it took time. And patience. Of course, as an outsider, I could appreciate wanting to see something more expedient.
Q: Pay Pelle Larsson now, no brainer. – Jurgis.
A: But as cited in the piece on Pelle Larsson and his extension eligibility, such a payout would impact potential future star spending. And that’s the delicate balance, and why in recent years the Heat had to deal with the flight of Caleb Martin, Gabe Vincent and, most notably, Max Strus. Complementary players are valuable. But how valuable?