Since their run to the NBA Finals in 2020, the Miami Heat have done little to improve their roster. Now, almost three years later, and the Heat are struggling to stay competitive.
From the play of Kyle Lowry to the unfathomable lack of depth off the bench, there are many reasons for the Heat’s downfall. But only a fool would count them out completely, and the NBA trade deadline gives the team a perfect opportunity to re-tool and re-pivot around Bam Adebayo and Jimmy Butler.
In a recent article, Keith Smith named two potential trade targets that could help turn things around for Miami.
“I think [they could] get Kyle Kuzma, Bojan Bogdanovic. …They’re Miami, so those are the kind of the guys that immediately come to mind for me because that’s that’s really all they need.”
“I think [they could] get Kyle Kuzma, Bojan Bogdanović. …They’re Miami, so those are the kind of the guys that immediately come to mind for me because that’s that’s really all they need.”
– @KeithSmithNBA on the Miami Heat pic.twitter.com/DqtNBZ9xWA
— Heat Nation (@HeatNationCom) January 18, 2023
The price will be high for 27-year-old sharpshooter Kyle Kuzma, but he’s someone who could move the needle for the Heat. Averaging 21.6 points on 45% shooting, Kuzma’s scoring ability on the wing would transform Miami’s offense and add a much-needed threat on the perimeter.
Bogdanovic, while much more limited as a scorer and shot creator, would likely come at a cheaper cost and may be a better fit overall.
Whatever the case, it’s clear that the Heat have the intention to be active on the trade market and nobody should be surprised when/if they make a move this season.
Heat In The Chase For Two All-Star Caliber Players
The Heat, of course, have bigger ambitions than Kuzma. According to various reports, they’re in the hunt for Zach LaVine as well if the Bulls decide to blow it up anytime soon.
His name has come up in trade speculation, and I’ve reported that there are plenty of teams that, if he’s put on the market – and I preface that with the word “if” – he’s not yet. If he were to be put on the market, the Knicks, Lakers, Dallas, and Miami are certainly monitoring if he’ll become available or not. What’s interesting about that to me and other executives I’ve spoken to around the league is there would also be a bit of a question regarding, in their eyes, the health of his knee because if the Bulls just signed him and look to flip him that quickly, it almost raises your antenna a little bit (via KC Johnson).
At 21-21 on the season, the Heat still have a chance to end the season strong and secure a top 6 seed. But unless they add some depth to the roster, Miami is going to find it difficult to come out of the East.
It’s a good thing, then, that team President Pat Riley has never been known to stand pat in the face of mediocrity.
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