Will Kyrie Irving (left) open a Miami Heat door for Kevin Durant? The plot thickens (maybe). (Adam Hunger, AP)
Q: Ira, if Kyrie Irving wants out then how long until Kevin Durant has had enough? The Heat would rather have Durant, right? – Tim.
A: Put it this way, has there been a time when the Heat haven’t been associated with a Kevin Durant chase? That probably also could be said about Kyrie Irving’s ongoing wanderlust, as well, but not to the same degree. But there is a common link. If the Heat truly believe that Durant again could stand as a possible addition, then they would have to be able to utilize Kyle Lowry’s contract in such a deal. But if Lowry’s deal were to be put into play for Irving, then the Durant option would be lost. For now, it’s a waiting game to see if the Nets blink by either giving Kyrie the extension he wants on the terms or wants, or if the Nets acquiesce to his trade demand. If Kyrie stays, then there is no Part II with Durant. But if Kyrie is gone, then all bets are on when it comes to another saga of what-ifs with Durant. The Heat, as always, would be interested in Durant. The Heat, as always, would be extremely cautious with Irving.
Q: Ira. I understand you have an extremely difficult job. It’s easy for me to ask Erik Spoelstra questions from my sofa. You have to get answers 82 separate nights. I listened to your questions of Spo Thursday night. Why didn’t you ask about Jimmy Butler and his disappearing act in last night’s game, especially in the second half. Jimmy did not even take a free throw. He was barely involved in touching the ball at any time throughout the fourth quarter. That would have seemed like an obvious question to ask. Unless you know something we don’t (about his health). Hope to receive a response from you. Thank you. – Rick.
A: First, the job is many things, but difficult is not one of them. As for postgame media sessions, there are limits to the amount of questions that can be asked. It’s not the same as when the television networks have a player alone. So, first, had to ask about the dramatic game, and the way it played out. Then had to ask about Bam Adebayo’s aggression in almost taking over the game. Then asked about Kyle Lowry again not playing the fourth quarter. Then had to ask about Udonis Haslem playing over Dewayne Dedmon. Then had to ask about Haywood Highsmith being injected into the mix. And then had to defer to others. It was a game that had enough plotlines to fill a typical week. Yes, Jimmy Butler was largely contained, but he also deserves the occasional one off. If anything, the greater question is Jimmy consistently being held out for half of the fourth quarter seemingly regardless of the situation.
Q: Ira, last year, when Jimmy Butler had the blowup with Erik Spoelstra, there didn’t seem to be any major consequences. I guess there is a double standard depending upon how important or well paid a player is. – Rich, Plantation.
A: Correct. Always has been; always will be. Jimmy Butler can get away with more than Dewayne Dedmon. It’s the way it works in sports, society, life. Not everyone gets to play by the same rules. Fair? No Reality? Yes.
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Originally published at Tribune News Service