Miami Heat fans had trouble sleeping early Monday morning.
The Philadelphia 76ers made a huge move in the middle of the night, obtaining Paul George from the Los Angeles Clippers. It did not prevent Heat supporters from expressing their dissatisfaction with the news.They posted about the move on social media, with the majority of the blame falling on Heat club president Pat Riley.
The Sixers inked George to a four-year, $212 million contract, putting him alongside Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey. With this trio, which now includes a healthy Embiid, Philadelphia is among the Eastern Conference’s favorites. They have two All-Stars in Embiid and Maxey, and George, at 34, is still capable of delivering.
George’s signing became the East’s second important acquisition. On Sunday, the Orlando Magic struck to terms with guard Kentavious Caldwell-Pope. He’ll improve a Magic club that won the Southeast Division last season. Orlando already has one of the league’s best frontcourts in Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner. Caldwell-Pope’s championship background (he won with the Denver Nuggets and Los Angeles Lakers) further adds to his value.
This draws fans back to Riley. This might be the second year in a row that the Heat have failed to improve while their competitors have improved throughout the summer. Last summer, the Boston Celtics acquired Kristaps Porzingis and Jrue Holiday. It resulted in the Celtics’ first title under Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown.
The worst part for Riley is that the Heat have little leeway in terms of pursuing a high-profile free agent to improve the roster. It is up to him to find an appropriate deal, most likely with Tyler Herro or Duncan Robinson, that will lead to progress.
If not, the Heat will enter next season with the same core for the third consecutive year, likely looking up at the rest of the conference.Shandel Richardson is the publisher of Inside The Heat. You can reach him at [email protected].
Follow our coverage and updates on Facebook.
Leave a Reply