ASK IRA: Is there math that would make a Paul George trade make sense for Heat?

Q: How ironic would it be after the Thunder and Pacers built their NBA Finals rosters by trading Paul George if the Heat trade for him? He’s 35, which is right in Pat Riley’s wheelhouse, and the 76ers are a mess. – Tim.

A: While Pat Riley over the years has tested the waters regarding Paul George, that arguably stands among the NBA’s worst contracts at the moment, particularly coming off an uneven, injury-limited season. You’re talking about guaranteed money of $51.6 million this coming season, $54.1 million in 2026-27 and a player option of $56.6 million 2027-28. Plus, the 76ers, at least at the moment, appear to be living in the moment amid hope for a return to health by Joel Embiid. All of that said, if the 76ers were to dangle the No. 3 pick in this year’s draft as a sweetener, there at least would have to be consideration of a means for the Heat to get into the lottery without tanking. Still, it also would mean giving Paul George the money the Heat were so hesitant to give Jimmy Butler in an extension.

Q: Looking forward to Jaime Jaquez Jr. reporting on the Finals for the NBA. He has an engaging personality. – Anderson.

A: Which certainly helped amid his struggles with the Heat in his sophomore season. Jaime Jaquez Jr. certainly enjoys the celebrity side of the equation, but also is sharp enough to appreciate that the best way to build a brand is to build it through his play. Still, he has proven to be a quality ambassador for the Heat, scheduled to make appearances at the Heat’s youth camps on Tuesday.

Q: Ira, sometimes the best way to look at a team’s management decisions is to focus on one decision that sort of tells the story of the team: Can someone tell me what Kevin Love is doing on the Heat’s books for next season? – Jerry, Miami.

A: To provide a consistent, upbeat presence in the locker room, and provide an occasional boost with his 3-point shooting. Face it, with 15-player standard rosters, plus three players on two-way contracts, it’s not as if the last player on the roster likely will be any type of swing vote. That said, there also is something to be said about having an expiring $4.2 million salary to offer up in a trade.