With the 2016 NBA trade deadline just around the corner, plenty of players have been linked to trade rumors all over the league. The Miami Heat are well within range of those rumors. Sitting at fifth in the Eastern Conference with a series of injuries and lack of depth, the Heat have been looking around for player(s) to bolster their chances of making a deep playoff run.
After being reported for quite a while, the Heat traded Mario Chalmers in December for tax relief. Representatives of the Heat said nothing about it before, but the chatter was always there and the rumors and reports were true. The same still continues today as several current Heat players have been in trade discussions. Chris Andersen, Hassan Whiteside and Luol Deng have been some of the more talked about trade targets. Just two weeks ago, ESPN reported that the Los Angeles Lakers were trying to target Whiteside.
Whether any trade is executed is up to Pat Riley. Obviously some changes are very unlikely but others are more plausible than you might think. See the whole list starting from some of the more unrealistic candidates heading down to the most realistic ones.
10. DeMarcus Cousins/Caron Butler
Potential trade: Hassan Whiteside, Luol Deng, Josh McRoberts and Chris Andersen for DeMarcus Cousins and Caron Butler.
Before the Sacramento Kings were in the playoff mix, DeMarcus Cousins was on the trading block. A rumored trade centered around centers Cousins and Whiteside picked up a lot of attention in South Florida.
Cousins, 26, is having an MVP caliber season, averaging 27.1 points and 11.2 rebounds per game. The 6’11” center is continuously showing signs of breaking barriers – scoring 48 and 56 points in consecutive games earlier this season – and would be a centerpiece in Miami going forward.
Whiteside, who was actually drafted by the Kings, figures to be the better defensive player as he currently averages the most blocks in the NBA (3.9). Cousins’ feeble relationship with head coach George Karl and disciplinary problems in Sacramento have led many to believe he could be gone soon. Miami could also snag former Heat player Caron Butler, who has played just nine games in Sacramento this season. Butler, in his 14th year in the league, still has offensive skills that would benefit Miami and could be a great mentor to rookie Justise Winslow.
Next: Dwight Howard
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9. Dwight Howard
Potential trade: Hassan Whiteside for Dwight Howard
In December, SheridanHoops.com reported that Dwight Howard was “unhappy” in Houston and an exchange with Whiteside was in the talks. Due to being the second option behind MVP runner-up James Harden, Howard, who can opt out at the end of the season, has averaged just 14.2 points and 11.9 rebounds a game. The center who took the Orlando Magic to the finals in 2008 is still capable of having a big impact on the game. As he’s showed it from time to time, Howard erupted for 36 points and 26 rebounds in a win over the Los Angeles Clippers a few weeks ago.
Howard is highly expected to opt out of his contract in the summer and become a free agent like Whiteside. Both teams will have a hard time holding on to their centers as they test free agency. A mid-season swap, to strengthen the two rosters for a finals run, might be best for both parties.
Next: Al Jefferson/Michael Kidd-Gilchrist
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8. Al Jefferson/Michael Kidd-Gilchrist
Potential trade: Hassan Whiteside, Luol Deng, Josh McRoberts and Chris Andersen for Al Jefferson and Michael Kidd-Gilchrist
Far from probably happening, this trade focuses more on the long-term rather than the short-term for Miami. While the Heat would give away Whiteside for Jefferson, which some would consider a downgrade, the Heat would also receive the former No. 2 pick in the 2012 NBA Draft, Michael Kidd-Gilchrist.
MKG has improved every year since coming into the league and is a defensive prowler. The 22-year-old would give Miami a firm foundation to build upon, alongside Winslow, for years to come. Next to him would be Al Jefferson, who has recently fallen off due to injury woes but can be a force to reckon with when healthy. The trade gives Miami an established, focused center for the rest of the season and a potential star in Kidd-Gilchrist while still having a chance to nail a top-tier free agent in the summer.
Next: Rudy Gay
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7. Rudy Gay
Potential trade: Luol Deng and Chris Andersen for Rudy Gay
It’s no secret that Rudy Gay is on the trade block. Linked to a multitude of trade rumors, the Kings are listening to all offers for the 29-year-old University of Connecticut product. Averaging a career high 21.1 points and 6.9 rebounds last year, Gay is a prolific scorer who can be added directly in place for Deng in the starting lineup. While the Kings would be loaded with some extra cap space in the summer, the Heat wouldn’t as Gay has three years left on his contract, hurting their likelihood of engaging in free agency. Still, the Heat would get a quality scorer in Gay which would help them improve from their 29th placed team scoring rank (95.9 points per game).
Next: Terrence Jones/Corey Brewer/K.J. McDaniels
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6. Terrence Jones/Corey Brewer/K.J. McDaniels
Potential trade: Luol Deng and Chris Andersen for Terrence Jones, Corey Brewer and K.J. McDaniels
With Josh Smith back in Houston and Clint Capela as an other young, growing power forward, Terrence Jones’ time with the Rockets is likely coming to an end. ESPN reported a couple months ago that the Rockets were in “serious” discussions to move Jones and Brewer, whose minutes have dropped significantly.
While Jones would most likely walk in the offseason, the Heat would have to hold onto Brewer and McDaniels. The silver lining in this trade is McDaniels, the 22-year-old shooting guard with tremendous potential on a friendly three-year/10 million dollar contract. McDaniels has had little use in Houston’s crowded rotation so a change in scenery might fare well for the sophomore in Miami.
Next: Ryan Anderson
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5. Ryan Anderson
Potential trade: Josh McRoberts and Chris Andersen for Ryan Anderson
Ryan Anderson has been discussed in multiple trade offers as the New Orleans Pelicans have been ravaged with injuries and are almost ready to give up on the playoff chase. Attempting to get something before Anderson potentially leaves in free agency would benefit both the Heat and Pelicans. The Pelicans get an effective McRoberts on a good contract for at least three more years, while the Heat pick up a proven stretch four. Many of Miami’s prayers would be answered with this trade. Anderson is averaging 17.0 points on 38.6 percent three-point shooting this season. Adding a player like this to Miami’s bench would surely help Gerald Green distribute the offense in the second unit. Known to be a stellar three-point shooter, Anderson would supplement the Heat’s 28th placed three-point shooting percentage (32.3%) greatly.
Next: Nick Young
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4. Nick Young
Potential trade: Chris Andersen for Nick Young
When Kobe was injured and the Lakers had no young talent it was all about Nick Young. During the 2013-14 season, Young led the Lakers in scoring with 17.9 points per game. Since then the Lakers have focused on young guards Jordan Clarkson, D’Angelo Russell and Lou Williams. Young is now playing the second fewest minutes of his career and is in a aimless season with the Lakers. A move to Miami would enable him to rejuvenate his career and help the Heat out. With similar games, Young and Gerald Green would display a scary one-two scoring punch off the bench. The Lakers won’t have to worry about paying Young next season so their salary cap gets more favorable while the Heat add a solid contributor with a decent two-year/11 million dollar deal left.
Next: Jamal Crawford
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3. Jamal Crawford
Potential trade: Josh McRoberts for Jamal Crawford
A former sixth man of the year, Jamal Crawford’s services could be utilized by the Heat in a variety of areas. From the experience he’s had with six different teams to the offensive production he brings off the bench. At the point they’re at in their careers, McRoberts’ workload should be increased and Crawford’s decreased. Being the primary scorer off the bench in Los Angeles, Crawford has proven to wear out over the years. In Miami it would be the opposite as he’d be behind a flurry of offensive starters and talented bench players as well. Crawford would thrive in a smaller, yet effective role with the Heat.
Next: Markieff Morris/P.J. Tucker
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2. Markieff Morris/P.J. Tucker
Potential trade: Luol Deng and Chris Andersen for Markieff Morris and P.J. Tucker
The Phoenix Suns are a disaster. From top to bottom, the franchise is heading nowhere except the NBA lottery this upcoming offseason. Since trading Marcus Morris to the Detroit Pistons last summer, twin brother Markieff Morris has been in an irate mood. Now with Bledsoe out for the season and the team sitting just above the Lakers in the standings, all attention is on developing young guys Devin Booker, Archie Goodwin and T.J Warren.
Morris and P.J. Tucker, both out of the developmental stage, need to be shipped. The two players are on fair contracts, although it would damage the Heat’s chances of getting active during free agency. It’s inevitable, however, that Morris will be traded, but where to remains the mystery. While the Cleveland Cavaliers, Pelicans, Toronto Raptors and Houston Rockets all have made frequent pitches, don’t count the Heat out.
In Miami, Morris gets the novelty of playing with former teammates Goran Dragic and Green as well as becoming an integral part of the rotation. Morris figures to be an upgrade at the backup power forward position for Chris Bosh. Tucker also would be a valuable asset on the Heat as a similar version of Deng. Not too involved in the offense but heavily depended for on the defensive side, Tucker would casually slip into Deng’s role. The move may not look colorful during free agency but it’s a realistic help-now trade the Heat should explore.
Next: Kevin Martin
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1. Kevin Martin
Potential trade: Josh McRoberts and Chris Andersen for Kevin Martin
Kevin Martin is in an odd place in Minnesota. At age 32, he’s not in the same group as worn out veterans Kevin Garnett, Andre Miller and Tayshaun Prince and he’s certainly not with young, rising stars Andrew Wiggins, Karl-Anthony Towns and Zach LaVine.
The focus on the Wolves has shifted to the youngsters. Guards Ricky Rubio, Shabazz Muhammad and LaVine’s increased playing time has resulted in a decline in minutes for Martin. The 12-year pro undoubtedly still has it in him as he averaged 20 points a game last season and has a 38% career three-point average. Martin belongs on a playoff bound team and no better match sticks out more than with the Heat. Martin would bring another offensive boost next to Green off the bench and reduce Dwyane Wade’s workload throughout games.
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