After striking out on the Jimmy Butler sweepstakes, the Miami Heat could be turning their sights towards John Wall, according to Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald:
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“One person who identified Heat interest in Jimmy Butler very early in the process — before it was widely discussed — spoke of Heat intrigue with Washington point guard John Wall, who reportedly is available.”
The Washington Wizards have been a dysfunctional bunch this season. As a result, there is a possibility that they are willing to move on from Wall for the right price.
Due to salary cap constraints, the Heat will have an easier time landing a star in a trade rather than via free agency. Miami could be compelled to check in on the All-Star point guard for this reason alone. But as Jackson points out, trading for Wall is easier said than done:
“But the Wizards would likely need to take at least one bad contract from the Heat, and that could be problematic. So it’s unclear if this could end up being a realistic scenario.
“Wall is due $38 million next season, and then $41 million, $44 million and $47 million the following three years.”
Wall is far from a perfect player, but he would be an upgrade over Goran Dragic at point guard. But how much better would Miami be with Wall in the lineup? It’s hard to believe that Wall would elevate the Heat to the top of the Eastern Conference.
It doesn’t make sense to invest just under $170 million across four years for a player that likely won’t help Miami advance deep into the playoffs. Perhaps they have a plan to surround Wall with a supporting cast to become a dark horse in the Eastern Conference. But that won’t be easy with his massive contract in tow.
If nothing else, this report highlights Miami’s interest in acquiring a star via trade.
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