William Hill: Is it a smart deal for the Heat to get Irving and join Butler for a championship?
Although the Heat team failed to counterattack all the way to the end this time, they were only reduced to the background board for the Nuggets to win the championship. But for the Heat to achieve such an achievement, it has exceeded the expectations of the outside world. After all, such a Heat team was not favored by the outside world at the beginning, and it is still unknown whether they can break through the first round of the playoffs.
It's just that under the leadership of the iron-blooded fighter Butler, the Heat counterattacked all the way to the end. It's just that in the process of competing for the championship with the Nuggets, the overall strength of the Heat team really can't be compared with the Nuggets, so this defeat is completely expected.
There may be many people who believe that Butler's ankle injury became the reason why the Heat lost the championship. However, Butler himself came forward to clarify that the ankle injury did not affect him in any way. It's just that in the face of the strong play of the hexagonal warrior Jokic, the Heat really don't have much to do.
In particular, the gap in the strength of the squad is too big, and it is completely reasonable for the Nuggets to win the championship this time. Through this trip to the Finals, Pat Riley, general manager of the Heat, said that this offseason will definitely make reinforcements to ensure that the championship must be recaptured next year.
It is understood that the Heat have plans to bring in Irving, and are ready to bring in the Rockets and Mavericks to discuss a three-way deal. In this deal, the Heat will get Kyrie Irving and Kenyon Martin Jr. for the Rockets. And the Rockets can get it this time, Vincent and Jovic; The Mavericks acquired Herro, Tate, Petrus and a 2029 first-round pick in the deal.
If this three-way deal can be finalized, the Heat's hopes of winning the championship next year will be more likely. With Irving by Butler's side this time, it will not be like every game, and he will fall into the point of fighting alone again.
Looking at the current player market, perhaps only Irving, a top star, can help the Heat achieve their championship vision. It has been proven that if Irving can put his full focus on basketball, he will still be the league's all-powerful scorer.
Especially when it comes to a big stage like the playoffs, it's time for Irving to play to his fullest. Looking back at the beginning when he teamed up with James and was able to complete a comeback to win the championship in a desperate situation of 1-3, it has proved that Irving's unparalleled individual ability is the most important point for the Heat at the moment.
Butler's performance in this playoffs, although he is known as the first person in the league at present, is considered to be Butler's advanced age and the championship window is gradually closing. In order to grasp Butler's final peak and realize the vision of winning another championship, the Heat regarded Irving as a target for recruitment, which was definitely the right choice.
With Irving by his side, Butler no longer has to play the role of a lone hero in every game as he used to. Although he is known as a predator, it is difficult for Butler to win the championship without a strong helper by his side.
It's just that if the Heat take over Irving this time, they still have to take a certain risk, after all, no one knows what kind of whimsy Irving will have next. After all, referring to the bad performance in the past, it is not an exaggeration to be called an expert in team dismantling.
Considering that the Heat team is a team that emphasizes discipline, if Irving's arrival can bring his personality into a bit more restrained, it will have a positive effect on the help of the Heat. It's a pity that Irving advocates freedom in his bones, and even if he comes to the Heat, it is not certain whether he can restrain his heart. Therefore, the Heat's introduction of Irving must be carefully considered.