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Miami Heat steps up as “Darkhorse” to add coveted free agent point guard

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Getty Utah Jazz’s Donovan Mitchell defends Dallas Mavericks guard Jalen Brunson.

The Miami Heat are expected to be looking for another star this offseason, or as Pat Riley calls another whale. Earlier this week, ESPN’s Brian Windhorst said it’s safe to assume the Heat will be in discussions about most of the stars that might be available. He said this while discussing Heat being linked to both Kyrie Irving and Kevin Durant. Any chance of acquiring any of the Brooklyn Nets stars has been dashed for the time being after Irving opted to return for the final year of his contract.

Following the news from Irving, it was reported that the Heat were interested in two other point guards. The first was interest in John Wall when it was expected that he would be bought out by the Houston Rockets, then it quickly became clear that he was planning to sign with the Los Angeles Clippers. Then they are said to have inquired about young San Antonio Spurs guard Dejounte Murray, who had just switched to the Atlanta Hawks.

With both point guards out, it wasn’t long before the heat was reported as interested in another ball handler. However, this might be the most desirable free agent out there, Jalen Brunson.

Jalen Brunson meets with Miami Heat

Jalen Brunson may be the hottest free agent this offseason. The New York Knicks spent nearly $30 million to make room to dress the young point guard. The Knicks aren’t the only team being considered by Brunson, however. On June 29, Chris Haynes reported that three teams have secured meetings with the Dallas Mavericks guard, one being Dallas, his current team, then the Knicks and a Darkhorse candidate, the Miami Heat.

Free agent guard Jalen Brunson grants Dallas Mavericks, New York Knicks and Dark Horse Miami Heat meets on day one of free agency, league sources @YahooSports say: https://t.co/Y76tUOsdLk

– Chris Haynes (@ChrisBHaynes) 29. Juni 2022

“Free agent guard Jalen Brunson grants Dallas Mavericks, New York Knicks and Dark Horse Miami Heat day one of free agency meetings, league sources say @YahooSports,” Haynes tweeted.

The Knicks appear to be the most likely place to land given their ability to offer something close to four years, close to a whopping $110 million.

“Dallas originally hoped to agree to a five-year, $106 million deal, but this offer wouldn’t cut it, sources said,” Haynes wrote.

While those two teams are favorites for Brunson, don’t rule out the Miami Heat.

“There’s a Darkhorse team in the game: the Miami Heat, as they’ve also secured a meetup, sources said. A sign and trade agreement would be required for the Heat to acquire Brunson.” Haynes continued.

Jalen Brunson meeting date

Brunson will be holding all of Thursday’s meetings in New York City, sources told Chris Haynes. The point guard had an impressive year for the Mavericks, averaging 16.3 points, nearly 5 assists and 4 rebounds per game. He really shone in the playoffs, and that’s a big part of what earned him the expected payday.

The heat fuse of a meeting is interesting. With their cap situation, they would have to do a sign-and-trade with the Mavericks. Miami is known for making pretty convincing pitches. Whether it’s a whiteboard illustrating the tax benefits of playing in Florida, championship trophies, or Pat Riley, the team could put together a heist to capture this season’s best free agent.

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