Damian Lillard wasn't the only star player the Heat missed out on this summer

The Miami Heat have a knack for attracting superstars. However, acquiring said superstars is another story. 

Speaking with Marc J. Spears of Andscape, Bradley Beal revealed that joining the Miami Heat was his original preference this summer.  

"So, my initial favorite was Miami," Beal stated. "I’m like, ‘OK, what’s Miami doing? Dragging feet.’ And eventually, it came to a point to where Miami said they just can’t do it." 

Beal isn't the only All-Star guard who was eyeing a move to South Beach this offseason. Damian Lillard requested a trade from the Portland Trail Blazers in July, specifically with the intention of landing with the Heat. Similar to the Beal situation, the price point to acquire Lillard proved too steep for a win-now Heat squad with limited trade assets across an aging roster.  

Ultimately, Lillard landed with the Milwaukee Bucks, Beal took his talents to the Valley and the Heat stayed relatively stagnant. While the presence of Jimmy Butler and Bam Adebayo will keep Miami in the championship race, Pat Riley and Heat brass are likely regretting their lack of urgency to secure an additional star talent for a roster that has repeatedly failed to get over the hump. Despite three conference championship appearances over the last four seasons, Miami has not hoisted the Larry O'Brien trophy since 2013.