Heat predicted to pass on LeBron James, sign $305M future Hall of Famer, 17-year veteran All-Star

The Miami Heat were able to pull off a blockbuster trade for Giannis Antetokounmpo this summer. The move has positioned them as one of the favorites in the Eastern Conference heading into next season.

At Antetokounmpo's introductory press conference, Heat president Pat Riley made the comment that they need another plane to land. Riley was referencing LeBron James, and ESPN's Brian Windhorst weighed in on the remark.

“The fact he is taking this opportunity while welcoming Giannis to appeal to LeBron is a indication of how badly the Heat want him…. The Heat make a compelling case. If LeBron wants to play the type of basketball that is more comfortable to him, where he has the ball, the Heat are the team that is the fit for that… if they want to play how he’s played for 23 years Miami makes sense plus Giannis and Bam provide the defensive cover,” Windhorst said.

Following the press conference, Riley met with the media again and provided insight into where things stand with 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.

With Miami viewed as one of the favorites to land James, there is a realistic possibility he could choose the Heat. If they are unable to sign him, CBS Sports' Robby Kalland believes Miami could pivot to DeMar DeRozan.

“The Heat are going to be desperate for shooting, no matter what James does. But if they miss out on him, they could offer a portion of the mid-level rather than simply filling out the roster with minimums. 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,” Kalland wrote.

DeRozan is not the superstar that James is, but he would still provide another proven offensive weapon with his elite mid-range game. The six-time All-Star is still searching for the opportunity to compete for an NBA championship.

Over the course of his career, DeRozan has earned more than $305 million in NBA contracts. The Heat could likely sign him to a relatively inexpensive deal, and he would still have the potential to make a significant impact by giving Miami another reliable scoring threat.

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