Heat might have made Goran Dragic, Andre Iguodala decisions with Kyle Lowry in mind

After a shock run to the NBA Finals in 2020, the Miami Heat took a step again final season. They completed sixth within the Japanese Convention and have been swept out of the playoffs within the first spherical by the eventual champions, the Milwaukee Bucks. 

No group goes to be proud of a end result like that, however definitely not one led by Pat Riley. Even earlier than the offseason started, they have been being linked to some massive names akin to Kawhi Leonard — although it appears doubtless he’ll keep in Los Angeles — and Kyle Lowry. Forward of Monday’s opening bell totally free company, it seems they’re setting themselves as much as make a significant acquisition, and the Toronto Raptors level guard could possibly be their foremost goal. 

On Sunday, a report from Tim Reynolds of the Related Press indicated that the Heat have Lowry’s attention, and Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN added that the Warmth’s strikes are being made with the thought of being front-runners to amass Lowry partly due to his need to group up with Jimmy Butler. 

That is the 1st step full, however they nonetheless have some work to do with a purpose to deliver the six-time All-Star to Miami. Lowry is reportedly searching for a three-year deal price $25 million to $30 million per yr, and the Warmth don’t have that form of cap area. In actual fact, after some strikes they made on Sunday they do not mission to have any significant cap area. 

Whereas they declined the group choice for subsequent season for Andre Iguodala, they picked up Goran Dragic’s group choice. The latter was price $19.4 million, which could appear a bit complicated given their cap scenario and the Lowry pursuit. Nonetheless, it is doubtless that they will attempt to use Dragic in a possible sign-and-trade with the Raptors. 

The Raptors aren’t going to have a lot use for Dragic as they enter a rebuild, so the Warmth must add younger gamers and/or draft picks to sweeten the deal. Dragic is principally necessary on this situation as a result of his wage is price almost $20 million, which will get the Warmth fairly near what Lowry would need on an annual foundation. 

Given what we have discovered at present, the Warmth apparently thought it might be simpler for them to choose up Dragic’s choice and work on a sign-and-trade than clear the requisite cap area to signal Lowry outright. Whether or not that works out for them stays to be seen, however they’re clearly within the combine. And if they don’t seem to be capable of get Lowry, they may use Dragic to pursue different trades or simply hold him as a dependable veteran level guard.