Q: Ira, with whale hunting nearing extinction due to all the changes the NBA has made the past few years, will the Heat pivot and fully commit to building an elite team from the draft?\u00a0 It would seem that this year\u2019s class is the best in over a decade, deep with talent.\u00a0 So, instead of lining up picks looking for a whale, might a trade of Tyler Herro, Norman Powell and anyone not named Bam Adebayo for another first round pick (Top 10 at least) be a better plan?\u00a0 \u2013 Brian, Fort Lauderdale.<\/p>\n
A: The lesson the Heat learned at the NBA trading deadline two weeks ago is that veteran players with contract uncertainty no longer fetch first-round picks, with such picks at this year\u2019s deadline instead going for players locked into the fiscal security of rookie-scale deals. And remember, with the trading deadline having passed, Norman Powell can no longer be traded ahead of his free agency, with the same for Andrew Wiggins if he opts out. So, at the moment, it\u2019s not as if the Heat have the capital to secure another first-round pick. As for the value of Tyler Herro, first he has to get back onto the court. As for dealing away any future first-rounders, it is imperative to first see if the NBA makes any adjustments with the lottery.<\/p>\n
Q: Health will be key. If we can get healthy and have our strongest five on the court (including Tyler Herro and Kel\u2019el Ware), I think going 15-11 is very possible. As far as the other teams?\u00a0 \u201cKeep the main thing the main thing\u201d as Erik Spoelstra says, \u201cand control\u00a0 what we control.\u201d \u2013 Klif.<\/p>\n