Shabazz Napier isn't sure he's enough to keep LeBron James in Miami.
Having him around can't hurt.
Napier's draft rights were acquired by the Miami Heat in a trade on Thursday night with the Charlotte Hornets, who received draft picks in return according to multiple reports.
The Hornets picked Napier 24th overall, but it's not surprising the two-time national champion from Connecticut landed with Miami.
James has opted out of his contract with the Heat but his respect for Napier is no secret. The four-time league MVP tweeted in April that he thought Napier was the best point guard available in the draft.
After the pick, James was back at it.
"My favorite player in the draft!" he wrote on Twitter.
James had until June 30 to decide whether or not to opt out of the final two years of his deal and didn't waste much time. He was scheduled to earn $20 million next season.
"I don't know if I'm bringing him back," said Napier. "I would love it. ... I've been to his camps. Me and him chatted a few times at his camps. He's just a special thing. ...
"It's just something special to know that one of the best players in the world thinks about you and appreciates your talent. That's something that I'm so humble for."
The Heat reached the NBA Finals in each of James' four seasons with the club, winning back-to-back titles in 2012 and 2013. They were denied a threepeat by San Antonio this month.
[SportsNetwork.com]
