The Miami Heat have spoken with representatives for veteran guard Bradley Beal while exploring ways to add perimeter shooting around front-court stars Bam Adebayo and Giannis Antetokounmpo, according to the Miami Herald.
Once Antetokounmpo’s trade becomes official, Miami will have 12 players under contract and as much as about $6.5 million available through the mid-level exception. That figure would still keep the club under the first-apron hard cap and leave room to sign a 14th player on a veteran-minimum deal.
Team officials are reportedly guarding that remaining flexibility, hoping the market forces one of their targets to accept a smaller deal as free agency progresses. The Heat are also monitoring LeBron James, whose decision could open the door to a reunion with the franchise where he won two championships.
It is still unclear what salary Miami is willing to propose to Beal. The 33-year-old declined a $5.6 million player option with the Los Angeles Clippers, suggesting he expects more in free agency, though the chance to compete in Miami could prompt a pay cut.
The Heat previously weighed trading for Beal during his tenure with Washington, but his no-trade clause complicated any potential deal.
Khris Middleton and Anfernee Simons have also surfaced as possible Heat targets, the Herald reports. Middleton’s long relationship with Antetokounmpo fuels speculation, yet the 34-year-old’s injury history raises concerns about committing a roster spot. While Miami has not ruled him out, the club reportedly did not engage with Middleton at the start of free agency. The team also has not extended an offer to Simons, who is believed to be seeking a contract richer than Miami can accommodate.
The Heat will continue to evaluate the market as they attempt to round out the roster before training camp.
Source: Hoops Rumors
