Miami Heat

Miami Heat And Milwaukee Bucks Named As Bradley Beal Suitors

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On June 14, Shams Charania revealed that the Washington Wizards were working with franchise cornerstone Bradley Beal to find a trade the veteran would agree to. Beal has played his entire career in Washington after being drafted in 2012. However, the Wizards have never been able to put a team around Beal that would contend in any meaningful way.

A variety of teams were immediately floated as good theoretical fits for Beal. However, Beal’s incredibly weighty contract ($207.7 million over the next four seasons) is a major part of the negotiations. Furthermore, Beal will be going from being the top player on the Wizards to like the second or third player on another team. A figure like $207.7 million is a lot of money for a guy who isn’t your best player. Despite this, a number of teams are starting to emerge as potential suitors.

Heat And Bucks Named Among Beal Suitors

Per reports from both Brian Windhorst and Shams Charania, the Miami Heat and Milwaukee Bucks have both emerged as frontrunners for Beal’s services. Both teams are contenders, with the Heat coming over a Finals appearance. That should appeal to Beal, who holds a blanket no-trade clause. The problem is going to be Beal’s contract and what the teams are willing to give up for it. The Bucks are in a worse position right now. They are $87.7 million over the cap (Beal is owed $46.7 million in 2023/24). They also don’t have a lot of contracts to play with without giving up too much. Khris Middleton is an option. However, that requires both Middleton to exercise his player option and the Wizards to take a guy coming off major surgery.

Meanwhile, the Heat are $67.3 million over the cap. While the number is a little nicer, the Heat also do not have a lot of weighty contracts they could offload to Washington to balance out Beal’s. A hypothetical trade could force the Heat to give up a lot of good depth talent. Draft picks will also likely feature in the deal, which is another positive for Miami. The Bucks’ draft chest is very light for the next few years, meaning there are not a lot of premium picks to offer Washington. Meanwhile, the Heat do have a lot of picks at their disposal. Despite all this, this is a developing story and any updates can be found here at HotNewHipHop.

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Conor McGregor Says Miami Heat Mascot Is Doing “Good”

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Game 4 of the 2023 NBA Finals will be remembered for two things. First, there was the result. The Denver Nuggets took a 3-1 series lead on the back of a 13-point victory. Secondly, few will forget how Conor McGregor knocked out the mascot of the Miami Heat while promoting a pain relief spray.

Partway through the third quarter, the UFC veteran came onto the court alongside Burnie, the Heat’s anthropomorphized fireball mascot. Burnie donned novelty boxing gloves before almost immediately being rocked by a 1-2 punch combo from McGregor. As the mascot writhed on the floor, McGregor sprayed him with the pain relief aerosol the stunt had been set up to promote. However, it was later reported that the man inside the mascot costume had been sent to the ER and received pain medication following the incident. McGregor was widely criticized for taking things too far. Furthermore, UFC fighter Belal Muhammad went as far as to claim that “drugs made him think he was in a real fight.”

Conor McGregor Provides Burnie Update

However, things are not as dire as they first appeared, at least according to McGregor. Speaking with the media in New York City, McGregor attempted to settle any doubts, and criticism, about the viral incident in Miami. “The mascot is good. It was a skit, and all is well,” the MMA veteran said. “I spent a lot of time with him afterward, we talked it out, everything is great. It was all part of the show!” Despite McGregor’s assurances, it was likely not the promotion that Tidl Sport Recovery Spray was looking for.

McGregor might want to focus his efforts on the ring to avoid future embarrassment. The 34-year-old fighter is currently serving as a coach on Season 31 of The Ultimate Fighter. However, McGregor’s stable of prospects has so far been no match for Michael Chandler’s stable of more-experienced fighters. The season is expected to end with an as-yet-unannounced bout between McGregor (22-6) and Chandler (23-8). It would be McGregor’s first return to the Octagon since injury sidelined him in 2021. Neither man has a particularly shining record heading into this expected matchup. McGregor is on a two-fight losing streak while Chandler last lost three of his last four. Follow all the latest sports news here at HotNewHipHop

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Denver Nuggets Win 2023 NBA Finals, Their First In Franchise History

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This year’s NBA Finals, as chaotic as they surely were for many fans, brought the league a lot of standout moments and great displays of basketball. Of the entire season, though, few will stack up to a 47-year franchise reaching (and winning) their first title in history. The Denver Nuggets, composed of Nikola Jokić, Jamal Murray, and many other great players, just beat the Miami Heat in the fifth game of their series in their home of Colorado. Undeniably, it was quite the nail-biting affair as both teams fought hard in what ended up being just a five-point difference. It’s always bittersweet to see the season come to a close, but it’s also amazing to see such milestones for such hard-working teams.

Of course, the series wouldn’t have been complete without the amazing skills of The Joker. Jokić won the Bill Russell Finals Most Valuable Player trophy. It’s also the first award that was given to a Finals MVP after Russell’s passing, and as league commissioner Adam Silver said, it’s fitting that it was to a center. In addition, plenty of flowers showered upon Jamal Murray, who just two years prior was barely able to walk.

Read More: NBA Finals 2023: Nuggets Vs. Heat Prediction (See how well we did…)

Denver Nuggets Earns Its First NBA Title In History

On the other hand, the Miami Heat proved as the 2023 Eastern Champions that they wouldn’t go down without a fight. Jimmy Butler nabbed some incredible clutch threes throughout the game and it was overall a hard-fought battle. Both teams showed each other a lot of respect throughout the series, as misleading as the final 4-1 series may seem. Considering that they were an eighth seed in the post-season, their run all the way to the Finals was truly remarkable as well. Most importantly for fans, it was an overall great display of the game, and certainly an emotive moment for the Denver Nuggets.

Now that they nabbed their first Finals trophy in franchise history, it will be interesting to see how the next season plays out. Amid rumors that LeBron James is considering retirement and other massive shifts in the association, the guesses and predictions will flood in quick. For now, though, it would be a special moment to see any team win after a fantastic game, so congratulations are due to the Denver Nuggets and the Miami Heat. For the latest updates and news on the NBA, log back into HNHH.

Read More: Five Best Kobe Bryant Sneakers To Cop For The NBA Finals

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NBA Finals: Tyler Herro Gets Incredible News Ahead Of Game 5

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So far, Tyler Herro has missed a ton of time throughout the NBA Playoffs. Overall, this is due to the fact that the middle finger and ring finger on his shooting hand had been broken. However, despite this injury, the Heat were still able to make their way to the NBA Finals. It has been a truly impressive run. Although, they find themselves down 3-1 to the Denver Nuggets, and it is looking very likely that they will lose it all. That said, some fans are still hoping for a miracle, all while Herro has continued to heal.

Prior to every single game, Tyler Herro has been listed as doubtful to play. Regardless, he has been participating in more warm-ups, which has led to quite a bit of optimism. For the most part, Miami Heat fans had become accustomed to the idea that he would never become available. Now, however, prayers have reportedly been answered. According to Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN, Herro was upgraded to questionable. Moreover, Herro has made it clear that he has every intention of playing tonight.

Tyler Herro Is Ready

This game in Denver is going to be a win-or-go-home scenario. Consequently, we don’t foresee Tyler Herro starting this game. Instead, he will probably end up coming off the bench in a limited role. Either way, this is great news for the Heat, and could be the boost they need to force a Game 6 on home soil. However, the Denver Nuggets are a phenomenal team, and there is no guarantee that this is going to work out. If you are a Heat fan, however, you can’t help but at least be a bit hopeful right now.

The Heat were shooting the ball incredibly well throughout the postseason. However, in the NBA Finals, they have reverted back to their play in the regular season. Ultimately, some fans saw this coming. Those who didn’t, are now experiencing a ton of disappointment. Let us know if you think this will change the outcome of the series, in the comments section down below. Additionally, stay tuned to HNHH for more news and updates from around the sports world.

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Shannon Sharpe Hit Heat With A Reality Check

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Shannon Sharpe will be leaving Undisputed very shortly after the NBA Finals are over. However, he still has to come into work and sit across from Skip Bayless for the time being. Sure, these two may not like each other anymore, but commitments are commitments. In the final days of the show, some have argued that both look pretty tired and checked out. Overall, it is clear that this has all weight quite heavily on both of them. It is unfortunate, but that is just how it goes sometimes.

Moving forward, the NBA Finals are still going down, although they could very well end tonight. The Denver Nuggets are up 3-1 on the Miami Heat. Consequently, the Nuggets could win the NBA title tonight in their home arena. It would be a truly massive victory, and the fans want to see it come to fruition. On Undisputed this morning, Skip and Shannon spoke about that possibility. As you can see in the clips down below, Sharpe is quite positive that this series is going to be over by tonight.

Read More: Shannon Sharpe’s Potential Replacement Revealed

Shannon Sharpe Says It’s Over

“You have to come to the realization that the team that’s winning is the better team. The Heat have overachieved and have reverted back to what they were in the regular season,” Sharpe explained. “It’s over. The only thing left to give in church is the benediction.” At this juncture, Shannon Sharpe does not have any faith in the Miami Heat. Ultimately, they have not been good in the NBA Finals. Game two saw them steal one, however, that was more on the Nuggets who gave up a big lead.

If the Nuggets do win this game, it will be huge for the legacy of Nikola Jokic. He could very well go down as one of the best centers to ever do it. Let us know what you think of Sharpe’s comments, down below. Additionally, stay tuned to HNHH for more news and updates from around the sports world.

Read More: Stephen A. Smith Clarifies Shannon Sharpe Comments

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Denver Nuggets Take Finals Lead Behind Historic Performances

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The NBA Finals have already produced plenty of excitement. The Nuggets dominated Game 1 at home. Nikola Jokić led a dominant blowout with yet another triple-double. However, despite Jokić dropping 41 points, the Heat were able to steal a tight Game 2. Jimmy Butler, Bam Adebayo, and Gabe Vincent were able to help the Heat outlast the Western Conference giants. This led to a hilarious moment where Butler mooned Adebayo at the post-game press conference.

As the series moved to Miami, there were a lot of variables in the air. Many pundits believed that the Heat had finally figured out how to defend Jokić. Furthermore, there was speculation that the Heat simply had the deeper starting roster, with the Nuggets heavily relying on Jokić and Jamal Murray. However, it would all be settled on the court, with the series lead up for grabs. After stealing a game on the road, it was the perfect opportunity for the Heat to take control of the series.

Jokić And Murray Headline Historic Night

Miami took a slim, early lead in the first quarter before the Nuggets battled back to end the first quarter tied at 24. However, Denver began to pull away in the second quarter and entered the half up five, 53-48. Jokić already had a double-double at the half, with 13 points and 11 rebounds. The Nuggets pushed their momentum in the third quarter, extending their lead to 14 entering the final period. The Heat never found a way back into the game and Denver retook the lead in the Finals with a 109-94 victory.

Murray led all scorers with 34 points, adding 10 rebounds and 10 assists. Alongside him was Jokić, who put a 32-point triple-double with 21 rebounds and 10 assists. It made them the first players in NBA history to record 30-point triple-doubles in the same game. Furthermore, they became the first teammates to each record 30 points and 10 assists in the same game since Clyde Drexler and Terry Porter in 1992. Elsewhere, Jokić was making individual history by recording the first 30-20-10 game in NBA Finals history. Furthermore, it’s just the third 30-20-10 game in playoff history after Kareem and Wilt. The Nuggets will look to build on this momentum in Friday’s Game 4. Follow all the latest sports news here at HotNewHipHop.

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Damian Lillard Reveals Which Team He Wouldn’t Mind Being Traded To

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Damian Lillard is a player who has stayed loyal to the Portland Trail Blazers for a very long time. Although the team has not been very good, he has still made it clear that he wants to be there. Overall, this is great news for fans of the team. However, they may just come a time when he is fed up with losing. Lillard is a player who should have a title by now. Or at least he should have at least competed for one. Of course, winning a title is hard, and not everyone can do it, but with the right pieces, Lillard could absolutely make a run.

As it stands, the NBA offseason isn’t that far away. Consequently, there are all sorts of hypotheticals going around in regard to potential trades. No one knows what is going to happen, however, fans cannot help but theorize what a Damian Lillard trade would look like. In fact, Lillard was asked about a potential trade on Showtime‘s The Last Stand. During the clip below, Lillard was presented with trades to the Boston Celtics, Brooklyn Nets, and even the Miami Heat.

Read More: Damian Lillard Net Worth 2023: What Is The NBA Star Worth?

Damian Lillard Speaks

Subsequently, Lillard revealed which of these trades actually interests him. As you can imagine, it was the trade to the Miami Heat that caught his attention. He said that he “obviously” would like to go there. Moreover, a big reason for that is he is friends with Bam Adebayo. Additionally, Lillard claimed that he would also be interested in the Nets because of Mikal Bridges. Typically, Lillard refuses to entertain these convos, but now, he seems to be changing course a bit.

That said, this is not some trade demand or even an actual rumor. It is simply the point guard engaging in hypotheticals. Hopefully, Trail Blazers fans don’t get hit with some brutal news a month down the line. Let us know which team you’d love to see Dame play with, in the comments section below. Additionally, stay tuned to HNHH for more news from around the basketball world.

Read More: Damian Lillard Questions Joel Embiid For Comments After Brutal Game 7 Loss

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Stephen A. Smith Is Ready To “Act Bad” In Miami

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Stephen A. Smith is easily the most famous man on sports television at this point. Overall, he is always being shown on TV, particularly on ESPN. In the eyes of many, he is the sole entity that is keeping the lights on over there. He has been a key figure in their sports coverage over the years, and he effectively runs First Take. Although not everyone likes Smith and his approach to television, he is most definitely a ton of fun to watch on a daily basis. This is especially true now that the NBA Finals are here.

However, Stephen A. isn’t always interested in the Finals. Sure, he knows the Finals make for interesting conversation. Although, he much prefers when the Finals are in a location that he can live lavishly within. For instance, during the Finals between Milwaukee and Phoenix, he seemed to be disappointed. Moreover, he felt the same way in 2019 as the Raptors took on the Warriors. However, now that they are in Miami, he is prepared to live his “Act Bad” fantasy.

Read More: Stephen A. Smith Says He’d Support Shannon Sharpe Joining “First Take”

Stephen A. Smith Is Excited

In the video clip above, you can see just how excited Stephen A. gets about being able to spend the week in Miami. Games 3 and 4 of the NBA Finals will be played this week, with Game 3 going down tomorrow. Their series is tied at one a piece, although that doesn’t seem to matter here. It seems like Stephen A. could hug and kiss every person who works at ESPN for allowing him to cover the great game.

Over these coming days, it will be interesting to see what Stephen A. gets up to. Overall, there is a lot to do in Miami. There are vices around every corner, and he will have to do his best to stay away and focus on the prize. Hopefully, the series goes six games and he is able to go back. For Smith, that is the best case scenario.

Read More: Stephen A. Smith & JJ Redick Roast Kendrick Perkins For Moaning In Their Ears

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Skip Bayless Theorizes Why Jimmy Butler Is Struggling

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Skip Bayless is someone who doesn’t always get a ton of respect from NBA fans. Overall, there is a pretty good reason for this. He can sometimes be overly critical of certain players. Additionally, he is also disrespectful at times. This disrespect has sometimes been directed at his co-host Shannon Sharpe. Interestingly enough, Shannon is leaving Undisputed soon, and many point to Skip’s antics as the reason why. That said, they continue to cover the NBA Finals, at least for now.

Last night, we got to see a fantastic game from the Miami Heat, who stunned the Denver Nuggets with a fourth-quarter run that won them the game. Although, it was players like Max Strus and Bam Adebayo who led the way for the Heat. Jimmy Butler struggled throughout much of the match, just like he did in the last few games against Boston. Overall, fans are wondering what is up with Butler, who hasn’t been carrying his squad. As Skip Bayless explains, it could be because Jimmy Butler’s father is sick.

Read More: Shannon Sharpe Likes Tweet That Suggests Why He’s Leaving Skip Bayless

Skip Bayless Speaks

“We haven’t seen Playoff Jimmy [Butler] now for 7 straight games,” Skip Bayless explained. “He is going through an issue with his father who is not well… I think he might be a little distracted, if not a little drained, by going through that.” All-in-all, this is a very bizarre thing to speculate on. At the end of the day, Butler has not disclosed anything of the sort. Moreover, it just feels like yet another instance in which Bayless has overstepped a bit. Once again, this has to be another reason why Shannon Sharpe wants out of there.

Jimmy Butler and the Miami Heat seem locked in right now. They are making it very tough on the Nuggets, who on paper are the better team. However, this is a series that could end up going the distance. Let us know who you think is the better team, in the comments section down below. Additionally, stay tuned to HNHH for the latest news and updates from around the sports news.

Read More: Charles Barkley Trolls Skip Bayless

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JJ Redick Praises The Heat And Offers Nuggets Hot Take

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JJ Redick has been one of the most beloved analysts on TV as of late. Overall, the former NBA star has proven to be someone who can sift through all of the BS that tends to populate shows like First Take. Most of the time, he is spot-on with his takes. Although he wasn’t a superstar in the league, he still has a great eye for the game. So much so that some believe he needs to become a head coach. That said, the NBA Finals are on right now, and you can be sure that Redick is part of the coverage.

Last night, the Miami Heat were able to steal a game against the Denver Nuggets. This came as quite a bit of a surprise. Despite being up by as much as 15 points in the second quarter, the Heat were able to crawl back. They were great to start the third and fourth quarters, and it helped propel them to a win. Now, the Heat have the home-court advantage, and it will be interesting to see how it all plays out. While on First Take this morning, Redick explained how the Heat were able to win.

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JJ Redick Loves The Heat

“The word that comes to mind for me is resiliency [for the Miami Heat],” Redick explained. “Heat culture, it is a very real thing. There is a mental toughness and a mental fortitude with this team.” He also went on to note that the Denver Nuggets should still win it all. Moreover, he went on to note that the Nuggets will be good in the west for years to come.

Redick Talks Denver

“Regardless of what happens in this series, we are entering a phase where the Denver Nuggets will be the favorites in the Western Conference going forward for the foreseeable future,” Redick said. “There’s a long runway in Denver for this team to contend for titles.” Overall, Redick certainly has a point. The Nuggets look amazing, and we cannot wait to see them play for years to come. That said, let us know who you think will win the NBA Finals, in the comments section below.

Read More: JJ Redick Apologizes To Stephen A. Smith

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