The Heat finally landed their whale. Now comes the rest — and some might even call it the hard part.
After agreeing to acquire Giannis Antetokounmpo and Bobby Portis from the Bucks, Miami must figure out how to build a championship-caliber roster around Antetokounmpo and Bam Adebayo.
According to Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald, that process is already underway.
One of the first questions involves the futures of Andrew Wiggins and Norman Powell.
Both players are far from perfect, but both also make a lot of sense alongside Miami’s new star duo. Wiggins remains a versatile two-way wing and shot better than 41 percent from three-point range last season. Powell, meanwhile, remains one of the league’s better perimeter scorers when healthy.
Keeping both appears to be a realistic possibility, Jackson wrote.
The Heat also are expected to explore ways to improve the roster through free agency. According to Jackson, Miami could have access to its full mid-level exception, potentially allowing it to pursue additional shooting and depth.
Among the names mentioned as possible targets are Coby White, Anfernee Simons, Dean Wade, Kelly Oubre Jr., Luke Kennard, Quentin Grimes and Keon Ellis.
The Heat also have other spending tools available, including a bi-annual exception and a trade exception acquired in the Duncan Robinson deal.
And, yes, there is already speculation about whether Miami could take a run at LeBron James.
Jackson noted that nothing can be completely ruled out, though a reunion between James and the Heat is generally viewed as a long shot.
No matter, Miami’s focus is much simpler. The franchise spent years searching for another superstar to pair with Adebayo.
It finally found one.
Now the challenge is surrounding Antetokounmpo with enough shooting, depth and veteran help to maximize what could become one of the NBA’s most dangerous duos.
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