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ASK IRA: Could a Heat reunion tour be in the offing for P.J. Tucker?

ֱ Heat forward P.J. Tucker (left) shares a moment with Jimmy Butler during the 2021-22 season. (ֱ file)
ֱ Heat forward P.J. Tucker (left) shares a moment with Jimmy Butler during the 2021-22 season. (ֱ file)
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Q: Ira, the Heat are notorious for adding older veterans on the buyout market, such like Kevin Love. What about going back for P.J. Tucker? – Franklin.

A: In such cases, it mostly is a matter of timing. The timing was right with Kevin Love based on his availability after the trade deadline in 2023. At the moment, the Heat are trying to sort out not only their own camp roster, but also their position against the luxury tax, to stay below the highly punitive second apron. Plus there now are new rules in place regarding eligibility to sign buyout players at a certain price point. And that’s even – or when – P.J. Tucker gets to the buyout market. For now, it would appear to be in the best interests of the Clippers to retain his salary for potential use in balancing a trade. Beyond that, P.J. is two years older than when he last had his impact with the Heat. All of that said, he did prove useful during his Heat tenure and could be useful again if the 3-point shot returns to his best form. And under buyout rules, Tucker’s $11.5 million salary, if bought out by the Clippers, would make him eligible as a potential Heat buyout signing. For now, it is a waiting game for all involved.

Q: I love my Heat, but they have to play watchable basketball. Can’t be a play-in team every season and frequently hand over games. The regular season matters more than people want to admit.  – Danny.

A: Which is why the preseason, which starts for them on Tuesday night in Charlotte, could open a window to whether the start of the regular season will be prioritized. This team has made a habit of easing into seasons, and even easing into games, after an exhibition schedule that features limited cohesion. While you can’t exactly make a statement in exhibitions, you can show intent. Erik Spoelstra frequently speaks of playing with intentionality. Such focus would be best served by starting early. The Heat’s summer roster showed such intent in Las Vegas. Will the big boys now follow?

Q: Other teams play rookies as starters from day one. – Chadwick, Lake Worth.

A: Yes, teams with high lottery picks, or teams without alternatives. And, again, the question is not as much whether Kel’el Ware will play, but has been more about whether the 7-foot big man taken at No. 15 in June out of Indiana will start. And that remains a longshot. Jaime Jaquez Jr. played plenty as a rookie last season, as have many Heat rookies. But this also is a team, based on the age of Jimmy Butler, playing more in the moment than for the future.

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