?We Not in 2017 Off-Season?: Miami Heat Fans Left Bewildered as Former All-Star Is Named as the Alternative to Kevin Durant

The NBA off-season is in high gear, with franchises attempting to strengthen their rosters before the new season tips off. The Miami Heat is one of those teams. Miami is thought to be interested in Kevin Durant and Donovan Mitchell, but they reportedly have a backup plan in place.

According to an NBA executive, the Miami Heat front office is eyeing Charlotte Hornets forward Gordan Hayward as a plan B move. A move for the 32-year-old does seem to make sense, given the Heat’s interest in him during the 2017 off-season before he signed with the Boston Celtics. Hayward, however, was an All-Star forward at the time, but injuries have impeded his development since.

His downfall began with a gruesome injury in his debut game with the Boston Celtics. Nonetheless, the forward has been solid for the Hornets since he joined them. He averaged 15.9 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 3.6 assists last season. He still is a solid starting option and would fill the massive power forward vacuum if he can avoid injuries.

The Charlotte Hornets were anticipated to move on from Hayward before the NBA draft. However, nothing transpired.

Given Miles Bridges’ uncertain future, it’s unclear how inclined they are now to trade Hayward. It’s also uncertain whether the Miami Heat is prepared to give up key assets in order to land him.

Gordan Hayward will provide the Miami Heat with the scoring punch they have been lacking in the playoffs

The Miami Heat have performed tremendously well in the regular season these past years. However, their lack of postseason point production has been the roadblock between them and the ultimate prize.

READ MORE: Young LeBron James Once Dismissed Comparisons With Michael Jordan and NBA Greats With 8 Word Honesty

The Miami Heat have succumbed to their lack of scoring production in the previous three playoffs. They reached the NBA Finals in the 2019-20 season. However, with the exception of Jimmy Butler, no one assisted in carrying the scoring load, and they were defeated by the Los Angeles Lakers.

The same circumstances saw them get swept in the first round of the 2020-22 playoffs by the Milwaukee Bucks. Last season, they were defeated in the Eastern Conference Finals in seven games by the Boston Celtics. And it was Jimmy Butler, who put up monstrous numbers to get them to that point. But he could only do so much.

Last season, the Heat led the league in 3-point shooting and had the league’s sixth man of the year in Tyler Herro. But everything changed in the Conference Finals. When Jimmy Butler was scoring, their ceiling was high; however, when he was not, the Heat looked lost.

Gordan Hayward has garnered a reputation as a reliable scorer. As a third or fourth option, he can assist Butler in carrying the offensive load.

WATCH THIS STORY: Which Record-Breaking Performance From Stephen Curry Beat Tom Brady At ESPYs 2022?

However, having enough offensively on any given night to win critical games will need a team effort. Players like Bam Adebayo and Tyler Herro will likely need to step up if the Heat are to make another Finals appearance anytime soon.

Fans are left scratching their heads seeing the Heat eyeing Hayward

The Miami Heat were expected to sign another superstar to complement Jimmy Butler. However, with the team targeting a player well past his prime, many were perplexed.

https://twitter.com/Boness305/status/1555219942122864642

https://twitter.com/Sl1mShad1/status/1555381444020768769

Do you think Gordan Hayward would be a good addition to the Miami Heat roster? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.