NBA Rumors: Chris Paul's Heat Move Being Held Up By Rookie Guard?

Carmelo Anthony is a free agent and Chris Paul is open to leaving Oklahoma City Thunder, where he joined as part of the trade package that took Russell Westbrook to the Houston Rockets earlier in the month. Miami Heat is said to be looking for players who can improve their team and make them playoff contenders next season.

Heavy’s Brandon "Scoop B" Robinson believes both the players could end up at South Beach before the start of next season. The Heat are said to be looking to rebuild post the Dwayne Wade-era with NBA writer Steve Kyler suggesting that they do need to bring in some great players to beef up their roster.

Anthony has not played in the NBA since November 2018 when he was traded to the Chicago Bulls by the Rockets, but he was later also waived by the Chicago franchise. He has since been training but has not garnered concrete interest from any franchise.

Heat acquired Jimmy Butler from the Philadelphia 76ers in free agency but are said to be keen to acquire Paul from Thunder. An NBA source recently told Heavy that Paul will end up with the Heat and, according to a source close to the player, the veteran point guard is also said to be keen to move to Miami rather than remain with Oklahoma for the upcoming campaign.

It was initially reported that Miami’s demands in terms of draft picks and Paul’s three-year $124 million contract was the stumbling block in trade talks between the two franchises but there is also said to be a player who is holding up the deal from taking place. While Heat are hoping to get back two of their draft picks held by Thunder, the latter is said to be keen to acquire rookie guard Tyler Herro, who impressed in the summer league.

It remains to be seen if Heat and Thunder can reach an agreement before the end of the season. The Oklahoma franchise are not in a hurry as they also see an upside in retaining Paul, who they believe can play the role of mentor to young point guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. The young point guard arrived as part of the trade package that took Paul George to Los Angeles Clippers and he is viewed as the franchise’s future starting point guard.