The Miami Heat didn’t get Anfernee Simons. That part is settled. What comes next could reshape the entire Eastern Conference.
Philadelphia swooped in and signed Simons to a two-year, $12.3 million deal Thursday, according to reports. The Heat had offered a minimum contract, which might have been the difference. ClutchPoints NBA insider Brett Siegel reported that Miami’s lowball offer likely sent Simons to the Sixers.
But here’s the thing: the Heat are not done. Not even close.
Barry Jackson of The Miami Herald described the team’s approach as a gamble — waiting for someone better and cheaper to surface. And based on the names floating around, that gamble could pay off in a big way.
Bradley Beal and the Heat Have Mutual Interest
Bradley Beal has been linked to Miami for years. His massive contract was always the hang-up, along with his injury history and some uneven play. But context matters. With Giannis Antetokounmpo and Bam Adebayo already on the roster, Beal wouldn’t need to carry the offense the way he did in Washington and Phoenix. He could slide into a secondary scoring role, which might actually suit him better at this stage of his career.
Siegel reported there is mutual interest between Beal and the Heat. That’s significant. Beal’s price tag is no longer the obstacle it once was, either. The Heat could bring him in on a minimum deal or use part of their mid-level exception. That’s not a huge financial commitment for a guy who can still get buckets.
Khris Middleton’s Reunion Factor
Then there’s Khris Middleton. And yeah, the obvious connection is Giannis. They spent years together in Milwaukee, winning a title in 2021. Middleton knows exactly how to play off Antetokounmpo. He spaces the floor, makes smart cuts, and hits big shots in tight moments. That’s not nothing.
Middleton also fills the same needs Beal does: shot creation and shooting. He’s not the same athlete he was a few years ago, but he’s a professional who understands his role. And like Beal, he wouldn’t cost Miami much. Minimum contract. Part of the exception. That’s the range.
The Heat are reportedly still in the mix for LeBron James, which would obviously be the biggest get. But Beal and Middleton feel more realistic. Both are veterans who could step in and contribute right away without disrupting the locker room.
Miami has cap flexibility and a clear plan. They added Tim Hardaway Jr. on a team-friendly deal. They have Antetokounmpo and Adebayo as anchors. Now they need one more reliable scoring option on the wing. Beal or Middleton would fit that description.
It’s a waiting game now. The Heat will see who shakes loose in the buyout market or who gets traded for pennies on the dollar. Either way, they’re not done. And the rest of the East should probably pay attention.
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