The Miami Heat have had an impressive summer. With the addition of Norman Powell, the Heat added scoring depth and got younger. When factoring in the development of their young players, along with the star duo of Bam Adebayo and Tyler Herro, the Heat are positioned to be a dark horse in the East this season.
As promising as the outlook appears to be for Miami, there appear to be some glaring issues in the roster that would demand attention.
As constructed, the Heat have a solid backcourt rotation, featuring Herro and Powell, along with Davion Mitchell, Pelle Larsson, and rookie guard Kasparas Jakucionis. While this is a talented bunch, it is evident that there is a distinct lack of proven playmakers.
Herro, while gifted, is primarily a combo guard with a penchant for scoring. Mitchell, while capable of facilitating, is a more gifted defensive presence. Jakucionis certainly has potential, but as a rookie, the Heat may be hesitant to let him lead the offense at this stage.
The Heat could consider developing Herro as a playmaker, but due to his recent ankle surgery, the guard is expected to be sidelined for some time, potentially even missing the first few games of the regular season.
To address this pressing issue, Miami could consider triggering a trade to acquire LaMelo Ball from the Charlotte Hornets to boost the point guard position. Here’s the trade proposal to make this deal happen.
Proposed Trade Details
Miami Heat Receive: LaMelo Ball, Moussa Diabate
Charlotte Hornets Receive: Terry Rozier, Simone Fontecchio, Jaime Jaquez Jr., 2029 first-round pick, 2031 first-round pick
Given that this deal could have merit for both teams involved, we examine the impact of this trade more closely.
The Hornets Receive Rebuilding Assets
This trade idea primarily caters to the Hornets from the perspective of a rebuild. After ending the 2024-25 season in 14th place in the East, Charlotte is far from being a competitive squad heading into the new season.
Although the team has invested heavily in building around LaMelo Ball, due to the star’s limited availability due to injury, the Hornets could consider restructuring their approach by embracing a rebuild. Given recent rumors, a trade involving Ball wouldn’t be out of the question either.
By trading Ball in this trade idea, the Hornets acquire some solid assets to kickstart their rebuild. Along with two first-round draft picks, Charlotte also sees the addition of two expiring contracts in Terry Rozier and Simone Fontecchio, along with a talented young player in Jaime Jaquez Jr.
Acquiring Rozier initially has merit due to his expiring contract status. With $26.6 million coming off the books next summer, Charlotte could view this trade favorably. However, he could prove to be a solid rotation piece, too.
Although the veteran guard played in a limited capacity last season, he still showed some upside as an offensive threat. With an average of 10.6 points and 3.7 rebounds per game on 39.1% shooting from the field, Rozier displayed his scoring ability.
Considering that he enjoyed one of his most successful individual performances with the Hornets less than two seasons ago, the guard could even see a resurgence by joining the team.
Along with Rozier, Fontecchio would also be welcomed, as his $8.3 million contract helps the Hornets clear up more cap space next summer. The Italian has proven himself to be a solid wing defender, making him a solid addition to Charlotte’s thin bench rotation.
With an average of 5.9 points and 2.9 rebounds per game last season, Fontecchio isn’t likely to be a solid contributor on the offensive end. But considering his influence on the defensive end, the Hornets could see merit in this acquisition.
In this regard, Jaime Jaquez Jr.’s addition could probably be considered the most favorable for Charlotte. At 24, Jaquez Jr. is a young forward with a lot of offensive upside and developmental potential.
Although he had a poor outing in his sophomore season, as he posted an average of 8.6 points and 4.4 rebounds per game on 46.1% shooting, he could be a solid addition to the Hornets’ new core. In a new system with more opportunities, the forward could carve out a solid role for himself in the main rotation.
The Heat Become Title Contenders
The acquisition of LaMelo Ball would effectively transform the Miami Heat into one of the top teams in the Eastern Conference, on paper at least. While Ball’s availability could have a major impact on their performance, this trade could be immensely rewarding if he remains healthy.
Ball is among the most talented young players in the NBA today. When considering his physical tools, which are impressive for a player in his position, Ball additionally boasts tremendous court vision, passing skill, and scoring ability.
When available, his impact on the floor is telling. As a reliable floor general, Ball is capable of orchestrating a team’s offense effectively in transition as well as half-court sets.
Last season, the guard was poised to have himself a career year before another injury sidelined him. In 47 games, he averaged 25.2 points, 4.9 rebounds, and 7.4 assists, shooting 40.5% from the field and 33.9% from three-point range.
Although his efficiency from beyond the arc could demand improvement, his ability to facilitate could have a huge impact on Miami’s performance. With a trio of Ball, Herro, and Adebayo, the Heat could effectively challenge some of the best teams in the East.
Along with Ball, the Heat would also be acquiring Moussa Diabate, a 23-year-old center. Given Miami’s thin big man rotation, acquiring a center was viewed as a priority in the summer. With this trade, the team acquires the necessary depth to improve its frontcourt depth as well.
Diabete could be a positive addition to Miami’s bench. Owing to his length and elite athleticism, he has been projected to be a defensive prospect, but he has shown some upside as a lob threat, too. Last season, the big man averaged 5.7 points and 6.2 rebounds, shooting 59.6% from the field.
At 23, Diabete fits Miami’s timeline as a franchise. As part of a young core with championship aspirations, the center could also be expected to grow into his role with the team.
Should the Heat pursue LaMelo Ball?
Ball’s current position with the Charlotte Hornets appears to be questionable. Although rumors have suggested that the situation between the two parties is “sour”, the guard reportedly doesn’t feel pressured by the rumors.
Overall, this trade may benefit the Heat in the immediate context. As the team prepares to mount a playoff push this season, adding the necessary pieces to strengthen its roster will become necessary.
Given that the 24-year-old doesn’t intend to leave Charlotte, however, the Heat may not see much merit in pursuing him at the moment. But even with Herro sidelined, adding a solid playmaker should be a priority for Miami.
