It is not even coaching camp, however many have already counted out the Miami Warmth subsequent season. Even after a strong offseason that ought to make them higher in a cakewalk Japanese Convention.
Doubting the Warmth looks as if a mistake, particularly if a celebrity shakes unfastened. You need to be dwelling below 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 may come down exhausting on the Clippers, stripping them of all their remaining picks, leaving them and not using a first for as much as eight years.
Extra importantly for the Warmth, they might additionally void Leonard’s contract, all of a sudden making him a free agent. Finest consider that groups are licking their chops at that chance, and Warmth Staff President Pat Riley could possibly be the one to pounce.
The Warmth ought to transfer heaven and earth to land Kawhi Leonard
Riley has an unbelievable file on the subject of luring prime stars, and Leonard could possibly be the newest if he shakes unfastened. Including Leonard for the minimal after which understanding a long-term contract subsequent summer season could be an enormous get for Miami, which has a very good however not nice roster.
They already undertaking to have enormous cap house subsequent summer season, significantly in the event that they commerce Andrew Wiggins. That may 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 on the spot 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 on the spot contenders with Kawhi Leonard
The defensive potential alone may 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 recreation 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 staff, placing them behind solely the Cleveland Cavaliers and New York Knicks. That may give them an inexpensive path to the Japanese Convention Finals on this state of affairs.
All in all, the probabilities of Leonard being made a free agent appear more and more attainable. If his contract is voided, then the Warmth could possibly be a lovely touchdown spot, with Riley probably working his magic yet another time to convey one other star to South Seashore.
