Heat Not Expected to Pursue James Harden After Missing Out on Damian Lillard, Per Report
The Miami Heat, once frontrunners in the Damian Lillard sweepstakes during the offseason, find themselves regrouping after the Portland Trail Blazers traded their star point guard to the Milwaukee Bucks. With training camp looming, Pat Riley and his front office must now devise a new strategy. According to a report by The Miami Herald’s Barry Jackson and Anthony Chiang, it’s unlikely that the Heat will pursue James Harden of the Philadelphia 76ers, following their failed pursuit of Lillard.
Similar to Lillard, Harden had actively sought a trade to a specific team, the Los Angeles Clippers, throughout the offseason. Yet, like the Heat, the Clippers have been hesitant to offer a deal enticing enough to secure Harden’s services, leaving the 76ers unmoved. However, unlike Lillard, Harden has encountered limited interest in the trade market, possibly exacerbated by the emergence of former Bucks guard Jrue Holiday as an option for teams after the Lillard trade. While several teams are reportedly eyeing Harden, the Heat’s enthusiasm appears lukewarm.
In contrast to Holiday, Harden doesn’t boast elite defensive skills and has faced concerns about his physical condition, a quality highly valued by the Heat. Additionally, this marks his third trade request since his initial bid to leave Houston in 2020. Given these factors, it’s reasonable for Miami to shy away from pursuing Harden.
Nonetheless, the Heat are in dire need of shot creation, having lost playoff starters Gabe Vincent and Max Strus to free agency. Their time to find replacements is running out, and despite his flaws, Harden remains a valuable offensive asset. If the Heat decide not to chase him, another team is likely to do so.
As for Miami, they do have alternative trade options apart from Harden. Holiday remains a potential target, although the willingness of the Blazers to engage with the Heat after repeatedly rejecting their offers for Lillard is uncertain. Moreover, other guards may become available on the trade market this season, with DeMar DeRozan and Zach LaVine, both All-Stars from the Chicago Bulls, surfacing in trade rumors this offseason.
The Heat have a strong track record when it comes to roster building, often making astute decisions. If they opt not to pursue Harden, they’ll likely find alternative ways to compete with the revamped Bucks and the rest of the Eastern Conference by the spring. However, it’s safe to say that acquiring Harden is not part of their forthcoming solution.
Comments