ASK IRA: So now a Giannis distraction as well as losses for the Heat?
Q: So ESPN is saying the Heat offered Tyler Herro and Kel’el Ware and picks for Giannis Antetokounmpo in February and the Bucks turned it down. How do you think Tyler thinks about that? – Orv.
A: Tyler Herro is an adult who, seven years in, is well aware of both the trappings and trap doors of being an NBA player. By now, I would think Tyler would find it surprising if he was not mentioned in Heat trade speculation. Remember, the Heat have attempted to placate Tyler for years by stressing that when his name has been out there, it has largely been in regard to Hall of Fame-level talent, the likes of Kevin Durant, Damian Lillard, and, once and again, Giannis Antetokounmpo .
So what does Tyler do? He just plays, awaiting his next payday. Even Kel’el Ware in his two seasons has been through this so often that he, too, at this point simply keeps moving forward.
Now if the Heat were winning, and winning big, then you could appreciate greater disappointment in being part of ongoing speculation. But if put to a lie detector, I’m sure the Heat would acknowledge they would have traded Tyler and Kel’el in February for Giannis and would do so the next time such a potential trade window opens. As Dwyane Wade learned, few are Heat players for life, with even Udonis Haslem part of ample trade speculation during his Heat-only NBA career.
Related Articles Submit your “Ask Ira” question here! Q: I think it would only matter if both Tyler Herro and Norman Powell were coming back next year, which is highly unlikely. Unless this works in the playoffs to the tune of upsets in the first and second rounds, this will all be forgotten come next season as something that didn’t work.