The Miami Heat certainly want to make improvements this offseason, and while their lack of cap space will likely keep them out of the running for the premier free agents, there may be more flexibility in the trade market.
According to a report from Sean Deveney from SportingNews.com, the Heat may be interested in trading for veteran point guard Mike Conley.
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“League sources told Sporting News this week that one team to watch in the Conley hunt is Miami, which is waiting on Goran Dragic’s decision on his $19 million player option for next year,” Deveney wrote. “Heat president Pat Riley has long coveted Conley – Miami was interested in signing Conley before he re-signed with Memphis three years ago – and still wants to bring him to South Florida.
“The Heat have the No. 13 pick in this year’s draft, but with a hit-or-miss field of prospects beyond the first few picks, Miami is willing to move the pick to wring one more run out of its current roster. Memphis would have to be willing to take back some unwanted salary, but the Heat are likely the only team that would offer a lottery pick for Conley.”
Conley, 31, has been a All-Star caliber player for much of his NBA career, and while he is currently on the back end of his career, he still is very productive on the court.
Last season, Conley averaged 21.1 points, 6.4 assists, and 3.4 rebounds per game. While the Heat do seem intrigued by the possibility of keeping Justise Winslow at the point guard position, there is no reason why Riley and the rest of the front office shouldn’t look for other ways to improve their middling roster.
As Deveney states, much of Miami’s flexibility this summer will depend on whether or not Dragic opts out of his current deal. The same can be said for Hassan Whiteside, who also has a similar decision to make regarding his current deal.
It is still unclear if the Heat will be a major player for Conley or in the trade market overall this summer, but this report is a clear sign that the Heat are looking to bring some more talent to South Beach.
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