Here’s the real reason why the Miami Heat didn’t trade for Bradley Beal

The Miami Heat never made a serious run at trading for Bradley Beal because they didn’t view him as a substantial upgrade over Tyler Herro, ESPN’s Zach Lowe reported on his podcast The Lowe Post.

“From what I heard, the Heat looked at that situation and said, ‘We don’t think Bradley Beal, who’s…seven years older than Tyler Herro, is $30 million better than Tyler Herro going forward,” Lowe said.  “‘We just don’t think the upgrade is worth it.’”

The Miami Heat did not pursue Bradley Beal because they didn’t believe he was enough of an upgrade over Tyler Herro.

The Washington Wizards eventually traded Beal to the Phoenix Suns for Chris Paul and draft compensation before flipping Paul to the Golden State Warriors in exchange for Jordan Poole. Meanwhile, the Heat were content with Herro, their 23-year-old guard coming off consecutive 20-point-per-game scoring seasons. Beal, 30, is also owed more than $200 million over the next four seasons on a contract that includes a no-trade clause.

According to the Miami Herald, the Heat also hesitated to acquire Beal unless he agreed to waive his no-trade clause. When Beal refused, the Heat decided not to pursue a trade. Beal still has his no-trade clause with the Suns.

Part of Miami’s decision also had to do with their expected pursuit of Damian Lillard, who publicly requested a trade from the Portland Trail Blazers nine days after Beal was traded to Phoenix.

The Heat, of course, did not end up with Beal or Lillard, but it’s hard to argue with their logic in not pursuing Beal more aggressively.

Although Beal averaged 25 points on 50.6% shooting last season, he also played just 50 games and has spent large chunks of the last four seasons injured. Beal’s best basketball is likely behind him. Herro is seven years younger, less than half Beal’s price and still getting better.

Not having Beal or Lillard hurts the Heat’s championship case this season, but if Herro can take another leap then the Heat will be vindicated in their decision not to pursue either All-Star guard more aggressively.