‘It’s Sad to Watch You Stand Still’ – ESPN NBA Insider Criticizes Heat and Bucks for Inactivity…
ESPN’s Zach Lowe recently critiqued the Miami Heat and Milwaukee Bucks for their lack of significant offseason moves.
Both teams are constrained by their salary cap situations, preventing them from making major signings in free agency. Meanwhile, teams like the New York Knicks, Orlando Magic, and Philadelphia 76ers have made notable improvements.
Zach Lowe says the Miami Heat and Bucks are having the worst offseason so far
“Everybody in the East is getting better. The offseason has started. It’s sad to just watch you stand in place” pic.twitter.com/wVLZzD8ghB
— Emo Jimmy (@WheelerJaylen) July 4, 2024
The Knicks made a significant acquisition by adding 3-and-D wing Mikal Bridges from the Brooklyn Nets and signed forward O.G. Anunoby, bolstering their defense and depth for the 2024-25 season.
The Magic secured guard Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, a key player in the Denver Nuggets’ 2022-23 title run, on a three-year deal. This addition strengthens Orlando’s lineup alongside rising star Paolo Banchero.
Full Mikal Bridges Knicks Trade:
Knicks Receive:
• Mikal Bridges
• Keita Bates-DiopNets Receive:
• Bojan Bogdanovic
• Shake Milton
• Mamadi Diakite
• 4 Unprotected First Round Picks
• 1 Protected First Round Pick
• 1 Pick Swap pic.twitter.com/FrinH1Q0m8— KnicksMuse (@KnicksMuse) July 4, 2024
The 76ers made the biggest splash by signing All-Star Paul George to a max deal, forming an impressive Big 3 with George, Joel Embiid, and Tyrese Maxey.
Breaking: Kentavious Caldwell-Pope is finalizing a three-year, $66 million deal with the Orlando Magic, sources tell @wojespn. pic.twitter.com/f3ghdxVZku
— ESPN (@espn) June 30, 2024
In contrast, the Heat’s major move has been acquiring veteran Alec Burks, and they have yet to re-sign key contributors Haywood Highsmith or Caleb Martin. The Bucks have added potential rotation players Delon Wright and Taurean Prince, but neither team has made a significant impact like New York or Philadelphia.
Additionally, the Boston Celtics secured extensions with Jayson Tatum and Derrick White, ensuring their roster remains strong after their 2023-24 title win.
BREAKING: Free agent F Paul George has agreed on a four-year, $212 million maximum contract with the Philadelphia 76ers, sources tell ESPN. George committed in a meeting with Sixers officials and returns East to join Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey in pursuit of an NBA title. pic.twitter.com/pkCfGu3hyp
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) July 1, 2024
Both Miami and Milwaukee faced injuries that led to their early playoff exits last season. Lowe seems to urge both teams to make moves to stay competitive in the conference.
Despite this, the Heat remain hopeful after their Finals appearance in the 2022-23 season. They continue to rely on their core players, Jimmy Butler, Tyler Herro, and Bam Adebayo, believing they can contend again in the 2024-25 season.
