Miami Heat Predicted To Pursue Two-Time All-Star During Free Agency

Zion Williamson’s tenure with the New Orleans Pelicans could come to an end this offseason.

The 2019 No. 1 overall pick out of Duke entered the league with high expectations. The Pelicans are one of the worst teams in the Western Conference this season. Many expect the team to be sellers this offseason after parting with veteran Brandon Ingram at last month’s trade deadline.

The Miami Heat could be a team interested in the 25-year-old according to Bleacher Report.

“The Jimmy Butler-less Heat seem primed for a shakeup, and president Pat Riley seldom misses an opportunity to chase a distressed asset,” the article wrote. “Williamson should easily meet that definition. Even if this run has helped restore some value, he won’t cost nearly as much as a player of his caliber normally would. He won’t hit even the 40-game mark, which he has failed to clear in four of his six seasons.”

This season, the Heat saw a breakout from Tyler Herro. Herro was in the same draft class as Williamson. The two would be building blocks for a new era of Miami Heat basketball post-Butler. Along with Bam Adebayo, the Heat could become prime contenders in the Eastern Conference over the next few seasons.

Williamson has been the subject of concerns over his weight, injuries and motivation on the court but his performance this season shut down some questions. This season, Williamson is averaging 24.6 points, 7.2 rebounds and 5.3 assists while shooting 56.7 percent from the field. He is under contract through 2028.

HEAT ADD MARCH MADNESS STARS IN LATEST MOCK DRAFT

The Miami Heat are on a two-game winning streak after defeating the Golden State Warriors Tuesday.

However, with the team’s well-below .500 record, it may be time to look towards the draft. The Heat are projected to hold two first-round draft picks. One of them is from the blockbuster Jimmy Butler deal via the Warriors. The other is a lottery-protected pick that could go to the Oklahoma City Thunder but as of today, it looks likely the Heat will hold onto that pick.

At No. 8, Bleacher Report predicts the Heat select Michigan State Spartans guard Jase Richardson. Richardson, the son of former NBA veteran Jason Richardson, has helped lead the Spartans to a spot in the Sweet 16 of the NCAA Tournament.

“It’s also become clearer by the month that he offers more creativity than the early numbers suggest,” the article wrote. “While he’s been incredibly efficient off the ball, he’s also been one of the nation’s most efficient ball-screen scorers thanks to his feel on drives, elite finishing and 49.1 percent pull-up shooting.

At No. 21 with the Warriors pick, the Heat are projected to select Colorado State Rams forward Nique Clifford. Clifford led the Rams to an appearance in the Round of 32 after an upset over No. 5 seed Memphis before losing a heartbreaker to No. 4 seed Maryland.

“Clifford had come off as a prospect to watch this season based on his ability to play a Swiss Army knife role by finishing plays, passing, defending different spots and making enough open threes,” the article wrote. “But he quickly turned into a top-option skill player who can get his own shot or serve as the offense’s playmaker.”

Both players will presumably enter the draft this summer. Richardson, 19, has played well enough to become a lottery pick. Clifford, 23, has been a college star since 2020. Both players could become integral pieces to a Miami Heat rotation.

TENSIONS BETWEEN BUTLER AND RILEY

Jimmy Butler’s highly anticipated return to Miami comes with a lot of questions.

Butler’s tenure in Miami ended on a rather sour note after his highly publicized trade request. He was traded to the Golden State Warriors at the trade deadline. Tonight marks his first game back at Kaseya Center since Jan. 21 while he was a member of the Miami Heat. After comments stating he no longer enjoyed playing for Miami, Butler was indefinitely suspended prior to being traded.

On TNT’s pregame show, host Taylor Rooks shared her pre-game conversation with Butler.

“I have nothing to say to Pat [Riley]. And Pat better have nothing to say to me,” Butler told Rooks.

Last summer, Heat president Pat Riley denied a contract extension for Butler, leading to a falling out between the two. Butler’s age made it difficult for Riley and the Heat to commit to more seasons. Butler has a player option this summer but all signs pointed to him declining that option and entering free agency if not moved prior to the deadline.

Before Butler was traded, Riley reportedly pleaded with Butler to stay and hopefully change his perspective. However, when that alleged meeting concluded, Butler was more confident than ever that he needed a change of scenery.

Butler joined the Heat in 2019 through a sign-and-trade deal with the Philadelphia 76ers. Throughout his tenure, Butler made two All-Star appearances, one All-NBA Second Team and two All-NBA Third Team appearances. Even though his final season ended on a sour note, he should be remembered as one of the Heat’s all-time greats.

Sean Jordan is a contributor to Miami Heat On Sports Illustrated. He can be reached at sjorda06@syr.edu.

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