The Miami Heat could target LeBron James after acquiring Giannis Antetokounmpo from the Milwaukee Bucks on Monday. According to Heat insider Barry Jackson, Miami can offer James the full mid-level exception worth $15.5 million to lure him away from Los Angeles for a reunion. However, Jackson said it remains a “long shot.”
“The Heat could try to lure impending free agent LeBron James with its full midlevel exception, but a James return is considered a long shot,” he wrote.
James could secure a better deal with the Lakers. His family stays in Los Angeles, too. A return to Cleveland would appear more likely if he were to leave the Lakers for a storybook ending. The Warriors are also pursuing James, and that’s another enticing option.
However, the Heat may have the upper hand, giving James a prominent role in this iteration of the roster. Miami needs someone to run the offense in the backcourt, and James can do that. While he’s lost a step with his explosiveness, James remains one of the most intelligent playmakers in the NBA.
With Giannis Antetokounmpo and Bam Adebayo running the floor, LeBron James could form a deadly trio with them. With the Lakers, James has had to sacrifice plenty, and that would be the case on the Cavaliers and Warriors, too.
Heat could face Norman Powell conundrum if they sign LeBron James to the full mid-level exception
The Miami Heat could be hard-capped at the first apron if they offer LeBron James the full mid-level exception. That could hinder their shot at re-signing Norman Powell, who is a restricted free agent. Here’s what Barry Jackson said about this:
“That could but a long shot. If LeBron took mid-level, would be no room for Powell under hard cap.”
He presented other scenarios, including Andrew Wiggins opting out and signing a three-year $65 million contract and Norman Powell signing a $12-13 million annual contract to make LeBron James’ acquisition work while retaining Powell.
If the Heat can move Nikola Jovic and take less money in return, they can offer Powell more than the $12-13 million annual deal. However, Powell’s market value is likely higher, and he won’t accept a pay cut of that size unless he prioritizes winning.
For now, it’s better if the Heat work it out with Powell first, as they need a 3-point shooter like him to make the Giannis Antetokounmpo and Bam Adebayo tandem work.
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