Report: Beal is Heat's No. 1 target if Giannis stays with Bucks originally appeared on NBC Sports Washington
It's no secret that the Heat are in pursuit of two-time MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo, whether in free agency next summer or in a trade. After making it to the NBA Finals without him, Miami might surpass the Lakers and Clippers for the title with Antetokounmpo in the fold.
But if they come up empty-handed, they would apparently pivot to trying to acquire Wizards' star, Bradley Beal.
"If Giannis Antetokounmpo signs a max extension with the Bucks, Washington guard Bradley Beal becomes the No. 1 Heat target if or when he becomes available," according to the Miami Herald's Barry Jackson. "The Heat’s interest remains very high, according to a source with direct knowledge."
Jackson went on to suggest a trade for Beal, who has three years left on his contract (player option for the third), would include Tyler Herro, either Duncan Robinson or Precious Achiuwa and a future first-round pick. Miami would also have to send someone like Kelly Olynyk to get money to work, but the centerpiece of the deal would be Herro and another promising, young player.
Beal would give the Heat something they were missing in the NBA Finals against the Lakers: shotmaking outside of Jimmy Butler.
Herro proved to be a capable scorer in big moments and helped that team get to the Finals, but he struggled to regain his rhythm against a Lakers team with a ton of size and physicality. Beal's presence on the perimeter and ability to play pick and roll with Bam Adebayo would be a scary proposition for the rest of the league.
Meanwhile, acquiring Herro and one of Robinson/Achiuwa would probably signal a rebuild for the Wizards, who'd presumably work with a young core of Herro, Robinson, Deni Avdija and Rui Hachimura.
It takes two teams to pull off a trade, though. The Wizards have stated time and again how they are not interested in trading Beal, and Beal himself has committed to building a winner with the Wizards.
Should the Heat's attempts at Beal come up short, Jackson reports they'll pivot to Pacers star, Victor Oladipo.
