Back track exactly one year ago, the Miami Heat were looking to offload Jimmy Butler to any and every suitor who was willing to give him an extension. However, only the Phoenix Suns — who had the league’s worst contract in Bradley Beal — were interested.
Talks were at a stalemate.
Before Butler was ultimately dealt to Golden State, rumors — aka, speculation — on the street suggested the Heat were interested in Warriors forward Jonathan Kuminga. Nothing came to fruition regarding the 23-year-old wing. Though there was some reported interest in the summer during Kuminga’s restricted free agency, and again last week after he demanded a trade away from the Warriors.
While none of that suggests a deal will come to fruition, NBA insider Marc Stein reported that Golden State could kick the tires on an Andrew Wiggins reunion — specifically for Kuminga.
However, if that’s the case, it should only happen under one circumstance.
Why Heat should not do Kuminga-Wiggins trade without draft capital involved:
As we briefed here, the Miami Heat and Golden State Warriors cannot legally do a one-for-one swap between Andrew Wiggins and Jonathan Kuminga. The Warriors are hard-capped below the second apron, and such a swap would put them over.
The only feasible way is if the Warriors trim salary either 1.) in this trade or 2.) in a separate deal (as a salary dump). They are less than $300K away from the hard cap. There is little margin for error in what they can send out relative to what they can bring back.
That said, the Heat should not budge in terms of draft capital.
For all intents and purposes, Kuminga’s having the worst season of his career. The disgruntled wing is averaging just 12.1 points and 5.9 rebounds, albeit in 23.8 minutes per game. He’s shooting 45.4 percent from the floor and 32.1 percent from 3-point range.
The former No. 7 overall pick hasn’t consistently impacted winning, lessening his role in the Warriors’ rotation. Golden State eventually brought him back on a two-year, $48 million deal. Though it’s been a headache for everyone involved. Both sides should separate.
While Kuminga’s $24.2 million team option is intriguing, his value is in the gutter. Miami held out for a first-round pick for Wiggins in the offseason. It should do so again here; the Warriors have practically no leverage.
It remains to be seen whether or not the Heat are truly interested in Kuminga. Exploring the option makes sense, though his fit in Miami wouldn’t make much sense. And if they do explore, holding out for a first-round pick is required — even if the Warriors walk away.
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SunBone I wouldn’t put much faith in either ALLYOUCANHEAT articles or the talent level of Knecht. There’s probably 10 teams and even more fan bases thinking they’ve got a chance for the Freak. Knecht offers sporadic shooting and that’s about it. We already have enough marginal players. But…hope I’m completely wrong & Giannis loves the beach!
Knecht has a team option contract the next two years. If he doesn’t show potential, Heat can opt out. Its the first round pick I like.
~ SunMan ~
Giannis may be available before the trade deadline. Miami needs to pounce now, even if it means trading away some fan favorite players to obtain more draft picks to include in the trade.
https://allucanheat.com/giannis-antetokounmpo-sends-crystal-clear-message-to-heat-s-front-office?utm_campaign=FanSided+Daily&utm_source=FanSided+Daily&utm_medium=email&sc=e0273490fd355e2c28bdb25751d41af65a4dd80936ff00a80be9866c97887955
The Heat don’t have to limit their choice of trading partners to Golden State. Lakers could offer Knecht, a pick and an expiring contract, if Wiggins chooses to opt in and extend with them. I’m sure there are other teams that would also be interested in him.
Kerr is a good coach, he use players which contribute to the winning, even disgruntled ones.
Not playing him at all is not a good sign. Kuminga might not be a winning player.
Kuminga has a team option contract the next two years. If he doesn’t show potential, Heat can opt out. Its the 2026 first round pick I like.
Good take on the issue. And while some people are not interested in understanding cap and apron issues, this article shines a light on the subject. The line below illustrates that it doesn’t matter how much money the Warriors owner has – the restrictions and penalties can hurt a team….
’As we briefed here, the Miami Heat and Golden State Warriors cannot legally do a one-for-one swap between Andrew Wiggins and Jonathan Kuminga. The Warriors are hard-capped below the second apron, and such a swap would put them over.’
nba is taking fun out of game with this apron sht.just have a salary cap and call it a day like football and hockey
I’ll put that in the suggestion box when I visit Kaseya tomorrow.
also pls put in there that eric film boy spobot should not play niko spobotovic one second.also ask him what did keshad say to his new gf
I will add that to my list. Submit any other suggestions you may have by early afternoon tomorrow.
It’s cause LeBron came here and kd went to the warriors after that this first apron second apron bs started. The league been punishing the heat since the warriors not so much granted Steph curry is on one of those teams the fact still remains