Heat rumors: This Miami star ‘available' after failed Kevin Durant pursuit
The post Heat rumors: This Miami star 'available' after failed Kevin Durant pursuit appeared first on ClutchPoints.
As rumors swirl around the Miami Heat, the team now looks for another way to improve the team after they were unable to land Kevin Durant in a trade, despite being a finalist along with the winner of the sweepstakes in the Houston Rockets. While the Heat now prepare for the NBA Draft on Wednesday, there could be some action with their 20th overall pick, and especially star Andrew Wiggins.
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According to ClutchPoints' NBA Insider Brett Siegel in his latest Big Board ahead of Wednesday's draft, he would mention Wiggins as being 'available in trade talks' along with the aforementioned 20th pick. The goal is for them to add an 'upgrade' alongside the featured Heat duo of Tyler Herro and Bam Adebayo.
'Teams are wondering what is next with the Miami Heat after striking out on a Durant trade,' Siegel wrote. 'Miami continues to make Andrew Wiggins available in trade talks and would be willing to part with the 20th pick in the NBA Draft for an upgrade alongside Tyler Herro and Bam Adebayo, sources said.'
Wiggins was traded to Miami in the deal that sent Jimmy Butler to the Golden State Warriors and had averaged 18 points, 4,5 rebounds, and 2.6 assists per game while shooting 44.8 percent from the field and 37.4 percent from deep. According to The Miami Herald's Anthony Chiang of Barry Jackson, Wiggins had been in the proposal for Duant.
The Heat's final offer included Andrew Wiggins, Terry Rozier, two bench players, and the 20th pick in Wednesday's NBA Draft. Haywood Highsmith and Jaime Jaquez Jr. were discussed as those two additional pieces in Miami's offer, the source said,' they wrote. 'But Phoenix ultimately wasn't tempted by a package of Wiggins, Rozier, Jaquez, Highsmith, and the 20th pick.
Florida prospect projected to stay in-state with the Heat
Scott Wachter-Imagn Images
Looking at who the Heat are connected to in the NBA Draft, if the team does stay at the pick, University of Florida guard Walter Clayton Jr. is the one who has been talked about. Siegel would say that Miami is 'valuing experienced prospect' with Clayton at 22 years old, and one that could have an immediate impact.
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'The Miami Heat are said to be valuing experienced prospects in the 2025 NBA Draft that can provide an instant impact on the court rather than youthful projects with long-term upside, which has led many to believe that they are targeting Clayton with the 20th pick,' Siegel wrote.
Siegel would also have Miami picking Clayton with the 20th pick in his mock draft, saying the idea of him being selected by the team has 'gained momentum.' Especially after missing out on Durant, the Heat is looking for more scoring threats, as Clayton could fit nicely along with Herro and Adebayo.
'After missing out on trading for Durant, Miami needs to prioritize finding scoring threats next to Herro and Bam Adebayo,' Siegel wrote. 'Outside of Herro, the Heat don't have other lead playmakers in their backcourt, which makes Clayton a high-upside pick for Pat Riley. Clayton to Miami has gained momentum among league personnel in recent days.'
At any rate, Miami is looking to improve after having a 37-45 record, which put them 10th in the East. Although they would make the playoffs, they would be swept by the Cleveland Cavaliers in the first round.
Related: NBA rumors: Lakers check in with Heat on Andrew Wiggins trade
Related: Heat rumors: Zach Lowe praises Kevin Durant trade decision
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