It isn’t even coaching camp, however many have already counted out the Miami Warmth subsequent season. Even after a stable offseason that ought to make them higher in a cakewalk Japanese Convention.
Doubting the Warmth looks as if a mistake, particularly if a famous person shakes unfastened. You must be residing underneath a rock to not have heard in regards to the Kawhi Leonard scandal gripping the NBA.
For individuals who aren’t conscious, the Los Angeles Clippers have been accused of paying Leonard as much as $48 million in extra cash. That is on prime of the $175 million they paid him between 2021 and 2025.
That would appear like textbook wage cap circumvention if the accusations are confirmed true. If they’re, then the league might come down exhausting on the Clippers, stripping them of all their remaining picks, leaving them with no first for as much as eight years.
Extra importantly for the Warmth, they may additionally void Leonard’s contract, immediately making him a free agent. Greatest imagine that groups are licking their chops at that risk, and Warmth Workforce President Pat Riley may very well be the one to pounce.
The Warmth ought to transfer heaven and earth to land Kawhi Leonard
Riley has an unimaginable report in the case of luring prime stars, and Leonard may very well be the newest if he shakes unfastened. Including Leonard for the minimal after which figuring out a long-term contract subsequent summer season could be an enormous get for Miami, which has however not nice roster.
They already venture to have large cap house subsequent summer season, notably in the event that they commerce Andrew Wiggins. That might additionally unencumber a spot on the wing of their beginning lineup for Leonard to hitch them.
Had been that to occur, it will rework the Warmth into instantaneous contenders with him becoming a member of a beginning lineup that options Davion Mitchell, Tyler Herro, Bam Adebayo, and Kell’el Ware.
The Miami Warmth could be instantaneous contenders with Kawhi Leonard
The defensive potential alone might assist Miami enhance dramatically subsequent season with them beginning four-plus defenders collectively.
They’d even have loads of offensive punch with Herro and Leonard each averaging over 20 factors per sport final season. Adebayo additionally averaged roughly 19 factors, and Norm Powell averaged 22 factors in 2024-25.
Contemplating the convention they play in, including Leonard for nothing would doubtless make them a top-3 workforce, placing them behind solely the Cleveland Cavaliers and New York Knicks. That might give them an affordable path to the Japanese Convention Finals on this situation.
All in all, the possibilities of Leonard being made a free agent appear more and more potential. If his contract is voided, then the Warmth may very well be a pretty touchdown spot, with Riley presumably working his magic another time to convey one other star to South Seashore.
