Heat Rumors: Miami Opts To Wait Before Dealing For Chris Paul

The Miami Heat are believed to be Chris Paul's next stop, but his ridiculous $124 million contract is standing in the way. Aside from that, the South Beach squad is fully aware that the Oklahoma City Thunder will want future picks in the deal.

The Thunder are in rebuilding mode, and Paul is likely to start the season with them. Miami has reportedly opted to hold off any deal for the 34-year-old guard, preferring to see first how their 2019-20 campaign goes. In short, Paul's move to the Heat has been put on hold, Shams Charania of The Athletic learned from sources.

"The Heat have a level of interest in Oklahoma City’s Chris Paul entering the NBA season, league sources said…. Miami will likely elect to see how it starts the season before gauging a new pursuit of Paul, which would take several large contracts to match salary," he wrote.

As mentioned in a previous post, the Miami Heat have been trying to unload some players with fat contracts. So far, only Hassan Whiteside has been dealt (to the Portland Trail Blazers). Goran Dragic was close to leaving as well but talks with the Dallas Mavericks bogged down.

Paul reportedly wants to join the Heat and partner with new face Jimmy Butler. But for that to happen, players alone may not suffice. The Thunder are expected to ask for future picks who will align with their rebuilding efforts - something that the Heat seem cautious of doing.

Aside from Dragic, other names that were suggested include James Johnson and Dion Waiters. All own hefty deals and apparently Miami management wants to crunch numbers.

After being dealt by the Houston Rockets to the Thunder for Russell Westbrook, Paul remains sitting on pins and needles. At 34, the nine-time NBA All-Star has had his share of injuries which have kept him from playing continuously. Regardless, it appears Heat president Pat Riley and head coach Erik Spoelstra sees some fire left in the 4th overall pick of the 2005 NBA Draft but need to approach it carefully.

The coming season should be interesting for the Heat and the Thunder. They have to contend with powerhouse teams in their respective conferences and adding key pieces will be pivotal. With no timeline, Paul's future could likely get clearer before the NBA trade deadline in February.