As the NBA offseason begins to heat up, the Miami Heat have reportedly explored the possibility of adding both Damian Lillard and Bradley Beal to their roster.
In a tweet shared by NBA Central on X, citing a report of NBA insider Marc Stein, Stein noted, “The Heat, meanwhile, have serious interest in signing Lillard as well as exploring the prospect of adding a bought-out Beal.”
The news of the Heat’s reported interest in both former All-Stars comes on the heels of the Phoenix Suns discussing a potential contract buyout with Beal, who is owed $110.8 million over the next two years.
Beal, 32, who averaged 17.0 points, 3.7 assists and 3.3 rebounds in 53 games last season, could complement stars Tyler Herro and Bam Adebayo beautifully with his striking ability to space the floor and stretch defenses.
Lillard, who was shockingly waved by the Milwaukee Bucks earlier this week, is desperate to find a team capable of contending for championships in the little years he has left in the league.
For a Heat team that just acquired Italian sharpshooter Simone Fontecchio, adding both Lillard and Beal would instantly make them contenders in the Eastern Conference again.
Pat Riley, who Bill Simmons endorsed for his recent moves earlier this week, is notorious for making strategic decisions that ultimately bring in premier talent to South Beach.
After trading Jimmy Butler to the Golden State Warriors in a blockbuster trade earlier this year, the Heat have a massive void to fill in terms of star power.
For Riley, this is a golden opportunity to land two former All-Stars and some of the most decorated scorers the league has seen in the last decade.
