Miami is already off to a scorching start this summer. The team recently bolstered its perimeter firepower by acquiring sharpshooter Norman Powell, pairing him alongside Tyler Herro and Bam Adebayo to deepen a core built on defense and consistency.
But Heat fans shouldn’t expect the front office to hit cruise control just yet. With a desire to optimize each lineup spot, the Heat could be targeting a move that would slide Herro into his natural scoring role by pursuing long-time defensive stopper Jrue Holiday.
His arrival would complete a backcourt that has lockdown defense, high-end shooting, and playmaking, and could be the missing piece in Miami’s lineup.
Proposed Trade Details
Miami Heat Receive: Jrue Holiday
Portland Trail Blazers Receive: Terry Rozier, Keshad Johnson, 2030 first-round pick, 2032 second-round pick
Let’s dive into a potential trade scenario that could bring that upgrade to South Beach.
Miami Heat Completed Talented Starting Lineup With Strong Perimeter Defense
Miami’s starting five now boasts a polished blend of offensive flair and defensive solidity. With Norman Powell’s acquisition, pairing him alongside Tyler Herro and Bam Adebayo, the Heat have added a proven scorer who shot 41.8% from three last season, giving head coach Erik Spoelstra more spacing and versatility.
Herro, comfortably sliding into his natural off-ball role, can feast on catch-and-shoot looks now, while Bam anchors the defense and controls the interior. But defense wins, and Miami is leaning in hard.
Bam is a two-time All-Defensive Team member whose rim protection and switchability make the Heat elite in the paint. Meanwhile, Powell brings toughness and wing containment on the perimeter, traits Miami hung its hat on in playoff years.
Add Davion Mitchell’s fringe All-Defensive growth (he posted 1.4 steals and 0.3 blocks per game), and you’ve got a backcourt steeped in two-way potential. That leaves a tantalizing next move: acquiring a seasoned defensive maestro like Jrue Holiday to complete the picture.
That backcourt trio, Holiday, Herro, Powell, alongside Adebayo and a low-post defender at the four (along with the pitbull known as Davion Mitchell), represents one of the most well-rounded starting units in the Eastern Conference.
Portland Trail Blazers Bring Back Suitable Assets For Aging Star
From Portland’s perspective, moving Jrue Holiday’s hefty contract, $32.4M next season and up to $37.2M with his player option, could cash in on cap relief and youth movement. The Blazers finished 36-46 this season and clearly sit at a crossroads between contention and rebuild.
Shifting Holiday’s salary opens room to reset around their emerging core. In return, they could get some value from Rozier, who averaged 10.6 PPG and has one more year left on his deal. Keshad Johnson is only 24 years old, and there could be potential for him to develop in Portland around the youngsters and get a more important role than he had in Miami.
Portland boasts a trio of promising players: center Donovan Clingan, who averaged 6.5 PPG, 7.9 RPG, and 1.6 BPG, earning All-Rookie Second Team honors; second-year forward Toumani Camara, Fresh off an impressive campaign with 11.3 PPG, 5.8 RPG, and 37.5% from deep for the season; and veteran Deni Avdija, a 6’9″ wing who contributed 16.9 PPG and 7.3 RPG across 72 games.
Add in potential future picks (firsts or seconds), and Portland gets back viable rotational pieces with upside. Clingan anchors the paint, Camara fits Miami’s style and may thrive with more opportunity, and Avdija offers size and positional versatility, all while shedding Holiday’s aging contract to open developmental runway.
A Perfect Trade Package For Miami Heat To Return To Playoffs
Imagine the Heat landing Jrue Holiday, overnight transforming their perimeter defense and playmaking. Holiday averaged 11.1 PPG, 4.3 RPG, 3.9 APG, and 1.1 SPG on 44.3% FG and 35.3% 3P last season.
On top of that, he averaged 16.3 PTS, 6.0 RPG, 6.0 APG against Miami last season – a player-the-ball facilitator and lockdown defender who can elevate playoff lineups.
He’d dovetail with Spoelstra’s schemes instantly, matching up with opposing backcourts, initiating offense alongside Herro and Powell, and letting Adebayo roam behind. His finals-tested experience adds playoff poise, and despite a dip from peak years, he’s still an impactful two-way starter.
Pairing Miami’s proven core with Holiday’s crafty play and locked-in D turns this into a contender-level rotation. With Bam, Herro, Powell, Holiday, and a floor-stretching four, the Heat likely reclaim elite Eastern positioning.
And for Portland, the return of young assets and picks keeps the rebuild on track. It’s a calculated, bold move that checks every box for both franchises.
