3 Realistic moves the Miami Heat must make if they fail to land Damian Lillard

Christian Wood, Dallas Mavericks (Photo by Ron Jenkins/Getty Images)

Realistic Heat Move #3: Sign Christian Wood

The Heat have been recently linked to free-agent center Christian Wood, and should they strike out on Lillard, he’d be a worthwhile short-term option. Wood has seen his market dry up and appears highly unlikely to earn $10+ million next season after earning $14.3 million with the Dallas Mavericks last season.

With few options in free agency, he might opt to take a 1-year deal with a contender to try and raise his value. The Heat would be the ideal choice given their lack of depth and need for scoring in the second unit. Another deep playoff run with Wood playing a key role could help both the Heat and his bank account, with him being able to hit free agency again after next season.

Miami signing arguably the best remaining free agent for the minimum, or perhaps working out a sign-and-trade with the Mavericks, would be a good get. Especially after spending most of the summer trying to catch a big fish by trading for a star. With their options limited, particularly if they can’t get a deal done with the Trail Blazers, the Heat couldn’t afford to let the opportunity to sign Wood on the cheap slip away.