Bradley Beal Trade Rumors: 'Heat Are Seen as a Legitimate Suitor for' Wizards Star

The Miami Heat might be a player for the Washington Wizards star when the Bradley Beal market inevitably sparks back into life in the off-season.

The Heat are seen as a legitimate suitor for Beal should he decide to seek a new home, according to the Athletic's Shams Charania.

If he wants to return to Washington, opting out is his best option, even though he has a $36.4 million player option for 2022-23. Bobby Marks projected that the three-time All-Star could earn $235 million over five years with the Wizards.

The wrist surgery gave the guard one incentive to take the biggest long-term payoff he can get in the summer, rather than exercising the player option and hitting the market in 2024.

Spotrac projects the Heat to have a payroll of over $150 million in 2022-23.

There is no chance that Miami can offer a market-level contract to Beal, since he is going to count for $96.3 million. The team was able to execute a sign-and-trade. Duncan Robinson's salary would help offset some of the cost.

The extent of the Heat's pursuit of Beal might depend on how deep they go in the playoffs.

The Miami Heat have the best record in the Eastern Conference at 47-24, with the addition of Lowry having the intended effect of getting the team closer to title contention. The team is 10-1 to win the NBA championship, the sixth-best odds in the league.

If the Heat make it to the NBA Finals or win the fourth ring in franchise history, the need to land a marquee star such as Beal could be less acute. The likes of Adebayo, Tyler Herro and Max Strus would still be in their prime playing years even though they will be a year older.

Pat Riley could get even more aggressive in exploiting the organization's title window if the exit is earlier than expected.

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