Heat predicted to miss on ex-Laker LeBron James, land $342M 3-time All-Star, 14-year veteran

The Miami Heat have already made one major splash this offseason by trading for former Milwaukee Bucks superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo. Now, all eyes are on LeBron James as Miami looks to bring him back for one final championship run.

The Heat have assembled an appealing core featuring Bam Adebayo and Antetokounmpo. Now, it is simply a matter of whether James is willing to return to Miami. The Heat are reportedly among the finalists to land the four-time NBA champion.

“The Warriors] are, to my knowledge, behind other teams such as a Miami, a Cleveland, a Philadelphia,” ESPN’s Shams Charania said.

James has kept the entire process quiet as he continues to evaluate what he believes is the best fit. Heat president Pat Riley recently spoke to the media about the organization's efforts to pursue James.

“To be transparent about it, we've had discussions over a week ago, maybe a week before that about it. But right now, I think we're like everybody else. Just waiting to see what he does,” Riley told the media.

There is always a chance Miami does not land James, and if that happens, the franchise will need a backup plan. CBS Sports’ Robby Kalland believes the Heat could turn their attention to Bradley Beal if their pursuit of James falls short.

“The first apron hard cap after the Giannis Antetokounmpo trade limits what they can do, but DeRozan could be in play -- although he doesn't address the three-point shooting needs. When Bradley Beal declined his option with the Los Angeles Clippers, the immediate assumption of many was that he'd end up in Miami, where he was long rumored to be a trade target with mutual interest,” Kalland wrote.

Adding Beal would give Miami another proven perimeter scorer and outside shooting threat if he can stay healthy. The biggest concern throughout Beal's career has been his durability, and that is a risk the Heat would have to consider.

Beal has earned more than $342 million in NBA contracts during his career. While signing Beal could be an intriguing move if James chooses another team, it would still represent a significant gamble for Miami because of his injury history.

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