Q: So to the how much is too much for Giannis question, you cite the Paul George trade. The same trade that essentially built league powerhouse OKC at the expense of Clippers’ draft assets that they are still paying. You also cite Giannis’s superior talent, but in a depleted East, how many deep playoff runs did he have? Not enough. If the Heat get Giannis, it will be because they pushed the most assets to the center of the table, and the teams with more to offer chose not to. It’s hard to feel good about that. It’s not going to work out any better for us than it did for the Clippers. – John, Ocala.
A: First, the Paul George deal: Traded to the Thunder for Danilo Gallinari, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, a 2021 first that turned into Tre Mann, a 2022 first that turned into Jalen Williams, a 2024 first that turned into Dillon Jones, a 2025 first that turned into Thomas Sorber, and the No. 12 pick in this year’s upcoming draft. With all due respect to a potential Heat package, and perhaps even Tyler Herro, there is no Shai Gilgeous-Alexander going out in this one. And for all the Heat’s package of picks could wind up netting, it is unlikely it winds up being as much as the Thunder netted in the draft. In many ways, it turns into what you think Kel’el Ware turns into. Which brings it to this next question . . .
Advertisement
Q: I don’t see why all the sudden love for Kel’el Ware. Yes, he has size and a lot of offensive talent. but he is lacking what all the great centers have and that is aggressiveness. He does not fight for post position and for rebounds. Yes, he has had some really good games, but it was against teams with second-tier centers. He has gotten pushed around by all of the better centers that he has played against. So, Giannis Antetokounmpo for Ware? Yes. – Irwin, Boynton Beach.
A: As mentioned above, if you wind up giving up someone who reaches MVP level or even All-Star level, then you would have every right to lament. But it’s not as if Kel’el Ware alone is enough to get a deal done (and for more than matching salary). So it becomes a question of Kel’el and how much more?
Q: Ira, yes Giannis Antetokounmpo has been great for years but he is at least six years older than any of the projected Heat players in the trade, From the pure numbers perspective, Giannis’ numbers in scoring and rebounds and assists are far less than the total Heat potential trade package. Why not in the alternative, draft/ trade for a strong, big center to back up and push Ware, a big power forward to back up Bam Adebayo, at point guard take a chance on Ja Morant and Davion Mitchell as the back up? Far less costly, keeps youth intact – Robert, Stuart.
A: First, the math is skewed. Because three players averaging 10 points do not equal one who averages 30. Look, this is similar to where the Heat stood when they made the Shaquille O’Neal deal, and they gave up a lot in that one, with Brian Grant, Caron Butler and Lamar Odom, including ample youth. But these opportunities (if this even is an opportunity ) come around so rarely that you have to be willing to go big or go home.
