ASK IRA: Giannis, Kawhi or Ja the better fit for Heat if there’s a deal to be done??

Q: OK, Ira: Giannis Antetokounmpo, Kawhi Leonard or Ja Morant? Go. – Eddie.

A: If only that simple, each with their own complexities. With Giannis Antetokounmpo, it’s a matter of the cost (if he even will be dealt). With Kawhi Leonard, there are so many ancillary issues, not the least of which is availability. And with Ja Morant, it’s about how much he has left in the tank. So I’ll take it one at a time. With Giannis, it would seem the Bucks could get more elsewhere (again, if there is a deal to be made). From the Heat, probably would be willing to start with Tyler Herro, Kel’el Ware and two first-round picks and then see where to go from there. Maybe one more pick (like this year’s, if no move up in the draft) and possibly a young prospect. As for Kawhi Leonard, actually believe he would be the better fit alongside Bam Adebayo, but the problem is you never know if he’s going to play. But with the Clippers seemingly looking to move on, as they did with James Harden, the price could be more reasonable than for Giannis. With Ja Morant, only if he comes as a distressed asset, possibly along with a pick, and if the Grizzlies were willing to take back the contract of Nikola Jovic, which runs two seasons longer than Ja’s deal. But even then, it would be difficult to make the cap math work. So if you’re asking of an order of preference, it would be Kawhi, Giannis Ja. And that’s only if your preference is to win now. Otherwise, keep the picks, keep the youth, and have patience.

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Q: On one hand early and played through a number of injuries that in today’s game sits a lot of players. But he will be 33 when the season starts and in basketball years, that’s getting up there. – Douglas.