Q: Would you agree that the new CBA is so hell bent on achieving parity that it will not allow teams to build or keep their successful rosters together due to financial constraints and penalties? Do you believe the second apron penalty should be eliminated? Isn’t that what’s stopping the Heat from fielding the team they would like to have? – Bob, Davie.
A: No, it’s taking on Terry Rozier’s contract and even the extra year on Andrew Wiggins’ contract. And as far as breaking up successful teams, that is the point, the hoarding of talent. What I do agree with is that there should be reduced tax/apron penalties when it comes to signing your own draft choices or players you have developed since they entered the NBA. A team should not be penalized for maximizing its own talent. So for the Celtics, as an example, relief when it comes to keeping Jaylen Brown and Jayson Tatum, but paying a price when it comes to adding salaries of players added in trades (such as the reasoning for having to offload Jrue Holiday and Kristaps Porzingis). Homegrown talent should have the right to play on, no matter a team’s payroll otherwise.
Q: The Heat do not seem to have the leader when the game(s) gets tough. Who is the voice on that team that says, “Enough? The opposing team’s run stops right now!” – Stuart, Miami.
A: First, let’s be honest here, the person that says “enough” is a player who does it on the court. Leadership only gets you so far when it comes to the scoreboard. That said, if the Heat are going to play and pay Bam Adebayo like a leader, then his voice has to resonate through the darkest days, hours and playing minutes. Right now, the Heat’s leadership hierarchy, particularly with the loss of the veteran voice of Kevin Love, is Bam or bust.
Q: I know that Andrew Wiggins has a player option after next season. Does this motivate the Heat to trade him in order to maximize cap space in 2026? – Brian.
A: If you’re asking whether the Heat would accept a trade that would shed the chance for escaping the balance of Andrew Wiggins’ contract, I think they would. I also do not think they would acknowledge as much. But if there is the possibility to land draft capital, then I would think he would be and remain in play.