ASK IRA: When is enough enough with the Heat’s LeBron waiting game?

Q: Ira, I could see LeBron James waiting for the Jaylen Brown trade to the 76ers, or if Donovan Mitchell was signing his Cleveland extension, or even what moves Minnesota was making. But why the wait? – Andrew.

A: Because he can. Because LeBron James has earned the right. Because this is a decision that will impact his lifestyle for the next season or even behind. Or perhaps he is waiting to see what the Heat do, considering they also still could maneuver to make moves, be it on the buyout market, in free agency or in trades. So perhaps it’s as basic as seeing if, at any of his potential landing spots, there might be room for a plus-one of consequence to be added. No matter when the decision comes, there will be ample suitors. As there should be.

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Q: I want to watch the team grow and thrive without all the noise and distraction. Be honest Ira, do we really need LeBron James? Do we even really want LeBron? Or is everyone just sipping on the ESPN and media Kool-aid. – Matt, North Miami.

A: Yes, LeBron James, his age aside, is a player any team would want and a player a team such as the Heat needs. Sometimes noise and distractions mean your team matters. It’s the seasons without noise of distraction that get old in a hurry.

Q: Ira, when will we know which players from the summer roster have made the team? – Rolfe.

A: In the big picture, none of that will happen until training camp. For now, players from the summer roster are sorting out potential camp landing spots and Exhibit 10 contracts, with none of those with the Heat summer roster yet to receive an Exhibit 10 deal. Even two-way contracts are not certain, with the Heat currently with Vlad Goldin and Tre Donaldson under such deals, deals that can be swapped out at any time, with no penalty against the cap, tax or aprons. But as a means of comparison, Myron Gardner received his Heat two-way contract on July 25 last year, so there’s that.