As Jimmy Butler continues to lead the Heat’s rise through the East, Pat Riley is apparently working behind the scenes to bring in some reinforcements.
In a report by Kevin O’Connor, the Heat and Thunder are talking about a deal that would bring veteran wing Trevor Ariza to Miami for a second-round pick.
Sources: The Heat and Thunder are discussing a trade that’d send Trevor Ariza to Miami. OKC is seeking a second round pick for Ariza from the numerous playoff teams with interest.
— Kevin O'Connor (@KevinOConnor) March 17, 2021
Ariza, 35, is far from his prime. Still, even at this point of his career, he can be an efficient 3-point scorer, solid defender, and experienced veteran to plug at the wing.
The Heat, who lost Jae Crowder in the summer, can bring in Ariza as his replacement and an extra punch off the bench. Behind Jimmy Butler, Bam Adebayo, Duncan Robinson, and Tyler Herro, it’s not hard to see them re-taking their place as an Eastern Conference elite.
Of course, what happens in the playoffs will be a different story. Will Ariza’s 3-and-D be enough to get them back to the Finals? It looks like we’ll just have to wait and find out, but the Heat haven’t lost any faith.
