ASK IRA: Does the math on the Terry Rozier trade still work for the Heat?

Q: So, didn’t the Heat really handicap themselves by taking on the final 2 1/2 years of Terry Rozier’s contract? It significantly decreased the chances of us signing any free agent above a minimum contract this summer. Then, because of this move we probably also have lost Caleb Martin going forward. I know hindsight is 20 /20, but should the Heat have given it a lot more thought before making this move? Would you still have made it? – Bob, Davie.

A: I can guarantee you the Heat gave it plenty of thought. But let’s also consider the context: The move was made by a team coming off an NBA Finals appearance with hope at the time of another deep playoff run. Isn’t that what fans want, a team willing to go for it? From the outset, there was no issue here with taking on the contract of Terry Rozier. Foremost, if the options were instead adding a player at the mid-level exception this coming summer, retaining Caleb Martin or having Rozier, most would say the Heat got the best value out of those options. Plus, from the moment Terry was added, it was with the thought it also was a traceable/packagable contract. Had the Heat allowed Kyle Lowry’s contract to expire without swapping it out for a replacement contract, the Heat would have lost a high degree of trade flexibility. All of that said, I said at the time and would say again, that attaching the first-round pick, particularly a pick that ultimately might not be lottery protected, was too risky and swung the deal toward one that could be questioned. But not because of Terry. But because of the pick.

Q: I think the strategy should be to think of teams like Indiana, maybe New York, maybe Orlando: Enjoy the season, enjoy the youngsters as they develop, and remember the joys of a surprising run to the second round. Watch Nikola Jovic and Jaime Jaquez Jr. and, yes, even Bam Adebayo and Duncan Robinson continue to improve, see if Cole Swider and Alondes Williams can stick, see if Caleb Martin can regain his form, appreciate Kevin Love’s twilight, hope we find minutes for Haywoof Highsmith and go from there. I’m always grateful to Pat Riley, Erik Spoelstra and the rest of the front office for keeping us so competitive year after year after year. I’d like to see us win a championship in the next few years, especially because it would be great for Jimmy Butler. But I can also envision us not getting there, too. And that’s OK. Sometimes you swing and miss. – Phillip, San Francisco.

A: Which is all well and good. But if that truly is the belief among the team’s followers, then I wonder how many would actually sign off on what you propose and agree to not then start complaining at the first sign of the Heat not being championship contenders? Saying it is all well and good; living it is another story. It’s almost as if we need to create a Google Document to sign off on agreeing to support a fun, competitive team, and that being good enough to sate, to merely enjoy a hard-working, enthusiastic team that shows up every night.

Q: Any chance of Giannis Antotokounmpo forcing his way out of Milwaukee?  – Ron, Margate.

A: I’m not sure players are rushing to be a part of eighth-place teams. Even those on teams that came up short in the playoffs, most did as well or better in the postseason than the Heat, and started from a higher seed. If anything, the Heat have planted a seed of doubt with free agents and those seeking trades. And not necessarily a good one.