As Team USA continues its strong play, an interesting subplot has emerged relating to the Miami Heat, who may be laying the groundwork for their next super team. Joining the Steve Kerr-led team as an assistant coach, Erik Spoelstra and, by extension, the Miami Heat have been in the spotlight, with both Anthony Edwards of the Minnesota Timberwolves and Paolo Banchero of the Orlando Magic praising Spoelstra and Heat Culture.
While their praise may be just that, it already has Heat fans thinking about the future.
Are the Heat laying the groundwork for their next super team?
While Edwards can’t become a free agent until the summer of 2029, and Banchero likely can’t until the summer of 2031, Miami could be using Team USA to indirectly recruit.
“He’s always live. He’s always ready and locked in. And you can see why he’s such an elite coach and why he has been for a long time,” Banchero was quoted, talking about Spoelstra.
Remember, Team USA was how Dwayne Wade, LeBron James, and Chris Bosh decided that they wanted to play together in the NBA, with LeBron and Bosh agreeing to join Wade in Miami.
That, along with acquiring Shaq, helped turn the Heat into a free-agent destination. Additionally, the team’s “Heat Culture, which was on full display during their 2023 playoff run, drew praise from the NBA World, further adding to Miami’s allure as a franchise.
That is likely why Damian Lillard, who is also playing for Team USA this summer, seems so set on playing for the Heat, while young stars appear thoroughly impressed. If Miami does end up trading for Dame, then it could keep them relevant for the next several seasons. That would allow them to bridge the gap until Giannis Antetokounmpo, Edwards, or Banchero become free agents or demand to be traded.
It is far from a guarantee that each player will hit free agency or request a trade, but the World Cup has given Spoelstra and the Heat access to stars that they otherwise wouldn’t have access to. That is not to say that they are actively recruiting talent for years down the road, but making an impression on impressionable young stars could pay off in the future.
After all, Spoelstra, who has been head coach of the Heat for 16 seasons and with the team for 27 seasons (you read that right), could be key to their free-agent pitch. This is given his track record of success and the culture that he has helped build.
In the meantime, Team USA still has some work to do at the FIBA World Cup, and the Heat are still trying to acquire Lillard. Both seem attainable and for Miami, the benefits of this summer could be felt for years to come.
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Author: Cal Durrett
September 2, 2023 | 12:30 pm
