The Miami Heat fell well short of expectations during the 2020-21 season. After making a run to the NBA Finals in the Orlando Bubble, they were swept in the first round by the Milwaukee Bucks in the 2021 NBA Playoffs.
After such a disappointing season, you know Pat Riley and company will come back with a vengeance for the 2021-22 season. He always has something up his sleeve when it comes to upgrading his roster and this year should be no different.
Miami has been listed as a dark horse team for Kawhi Leonard should he decide to leave the LA Clippers in free agency this summer. With Jimmy Butler and Bam Adebayo already in place, Miami would boast one of the scariest defensive trios in the NBA adding Leonard to that group. Now, another All-Star has been named as a potential addition to the Heat.
READ MORE: NBA Rumors: The best trade Miami Heat can offer Pelicans for Brandon Ingram
During a recent episode of the Five on the Floor podcast, Ethan Skolnick shared that Brandon Ingram of the New Orleans Pelicans could be on the Heat’s radar this summer should his conflict with the organization continue worsening.
“A potential Heat target in trade this offseason would be one Brandon Ingram, who recently signed a contract extension, last year’s Most Improved Player and a player who had issues with Stan [Van Gundy], and also I have heard doesn’t feel he’s a long-term fit with Zion [Williamson],” said Ethan Skolnick. “I’ve heard this from a couple of different people. Not that there’s a personality conflict, but it’s just not the best possible fit.”
Since this video, Stan Van Gundy has been relieved of his duties as head coach of the Pelicans. If Ingram did have issues with Van Gundy, his departure from the franchise could lessen Ingram’s wanting to leave. However, the long-term outlook with Zion Williamson is a different issue.
READ MORE: NBA Rumors: The best trade Miami Heat can offer Pelicans for Brandon Ingram
Since he was selected with the No. 1 overall pick in the 2019 NBA Draft, Williamson has been the face of the franchise. His star is only rising after he made his first All-Star game, but he, too, has recently been in the news about not wanting to remain in New Orleans.
If the New Orleans Pelicans cannot keep their players happy, there could be a mass exodus this offseason as Lonzo Ball and Josh Hart are already entering restricted free agency this summer.
