Pat Riley says Miami's main remaining need is another true playmaker as the Heat pursue LeBron James after trading for Giannis Antetokounmpo.
Miami Heat president Pat Riley has identified the team's biggest remaining need after an already eventful offseason.
During an appearance on The Dan Le Batard Show, Riley dismissed the idea that Miami's primary focus should be adding more shooting.
Instead, the longtime executive believes the Heat need another player capable of creating offense for himself and others.
"Everybody talks about shooting," Riley said. "That's not the main priority right now. It's another real playmaker."
Heat searching for playmaker after Giannis trade
Miami has already completed its biggest move of the offseason by acquiring two-time MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo from the Milwaukee Bucks.
The blockbuster deal gave the Heat another franchise cornerstone alongside Bam Adebayo but also left the organization with limited financial flexibility to complete its roster.
Credit AP - Scanpix
Riley's comments suggest Miami still wants another reliable ball-handler who can organize the offense, create advantages and ease the playmaking burden on its stars.
LeBron James remains the biggest possible solution. The Heat are among the leading teams pursuing the four-time MVP as they explore a potential reunion more than a decade after his departure from Miami.
Russell Westbrook has also been mentioned as a possible option if Miami does not land James.
However, the Heat have reportedly not pursued the nine-time All-Star aggressively, with Westbrook viewed more as a potential alternative than a leading target.
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