Best offseason moves made by the Miami Heat
The Miami Heat operated for much of the offseason with their hands tied behind their backs, but there were a couple of moves that have only continued to age gracefully now that we have more motive behind everything that has revolved around the franchise this summer.
Passing on Bradley Beal for the chance at Damian Lillard
The first “move” that comes to mind regarding the Heat this offseason is the decision to pass on going all in for Bradley Beal. At the time, it was somewhat perplexing when Miami missed out on Beal for what the Phoenix Suns gave up for him. However, now that we have more information about Damian Lillard’s situation, it makes sense why the Heat held back.
Even the mere chance of landing Lillard was the right path to take over giving up significant assets for Beal. At least for now, this looks like a great move on the part of the Heat.
Signing Josh Richardson in free agency
The losses of Gabe Vincent and Max Strus will certainly hurt the Heat heading into the season. However, the addition of Josh Richardson will greatly soften the blow. Richardson may not be the same player he was when he was traded to the Philadelphia 76ers a few years ago, but I don’t think it’s a coincidence that the best season of his career thus far has come in a Heat uniform.
If there’s any team that could help Richardson tap back into that player, it’s the Heat.