Heat positioned to acquire All-Star in sync with Bam Adebayo’s timeline

The Miami Heat are reportedly poised to leverage their pool of assets and their attractiveness to All-Star players across the league to potentially acquire one shortly.

“Miami is always in great position because, especially if it’s players with not a lot left on their contract,” said Adrian Wojnarowski before Miami’s loss to the Boston Celtics in Game 1. “One year or two years. And they tell their team, ‘I want a trade to the Heat, and if you don’t send me to the Heat, I’m going to become a free agent and go somewhere else. Don’t trade me to that team or that team.’

“Teams can still decide to send you where they want to send you, but it’s always an advantage for Miami. Players want to be part of that organization. So I think Miami will be in a position again to use the assets they have to get another All-Star level player that maybe connects more on the timeline of Bam Adebayo and his age.”

Wojnarowski hinted at a player, potentially Donovan Mitchell, who may seek a trade amid contract uncertainties. Mitchell has been linked to teams like the Knicks and Nets. Last offseason, the Heat pursued Damian Lillard, but no deal was reached before he was traded to the Bucks.