Getty President Pat Riley of the Miami Heat looks on against the New Orleans Pelicans during the second quarter at American Airlines Arena on December 25, 2020.
The Miami Heat went into Thursday night’s game against the Sacramento Kings hoping to bounce back from their frustrating overtime loss to the Golden State Warriors the night before. Having lost their last three games, it’s clear Miami needs to make some moves in order to salvage the season.
Before tipoff on February 18, the Heat sat in 11th place in the Eastern Conference. Throughout their struggles over the past month, Miami has been linked to possible trade options, and according to 5 Reasons Sports Network’s Ethan J. Skolnick, it’s because they’re looking to really shake things up.
Skolnick tweeted, “Spoke today to several people around NBA who have regular interactions with Heat. Consensus: A deal or 2 is coming, but not a panic deal. They seem to have more confidence in front office to do the smart thing than many fans currently do.”
GettyHeat All-Star Jimmy Butler and rookie Precious Achiuwa need to get back to Miami Heat Culture defense.
It’s too early to give up on the season. Despite Miami’s 11-17 record, they are still only three seeds out of playoff contention. The Eastern Conference as a whole appears to be in a slump.
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Most of the Heat’s Trade Rumors Involve Obtaining a Power Forward
GettyBlake Griffin #23 of the Detroit Pistons shoots the ball in warmups prior to the Pistons home opener against the Cleveland Cavaliers at Little Caesars Arena on December 26, 2020 in Detroit.
Name an available forward becoming available, and there’s likely a report linking them to the Heat. The franchise is trying to avoid the embarrassment that is coming off an NBA Finals run only and to miss out on the playoffs entirely the following season.
While the Heat missed out on obtaining James Harden and Giannis Antetokounmpo. and Wizards All-Star Bradley Beal announced he wants to remain in Washington, Miami still has their eye on more than a few players around the league.
Big names tossed around thus far include the following players:
Detroit Pistons Blake Griffin
Sacramento Kings Nemanja Bjelica
San Antonio Spurs Rudy Gay
Cleveland Cavaliers Andre Drummond
Toronto Raptors Kyle Lowry
Toronto Raptors Lonzo Ball
The Big Question: Who Is the Heat Willing to Give Up to Make a Trade?
GettyTyler Herro #14 and Duncan Robinson #55 of the Miami Heat react against the Philadelphia 76ers in the first quarter at the Wells Fargo Center on January 12, 2021 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
While it’s unclear as to which players the Heat are definitely gunning for, it’s also unknown as to who Miami is will to put on the trading block in order to make a deal happen.
To answer these questions, it largely depends on which player the Heat want and the amount of money left on their contract if they don’t receive a buyout.
On February 17, after the Heat lost a 19-point lead to the Warriors in overtime, fans let emotions run wild on Twitter. A major issue making Heat nation angry was that Tyler Herro was not included in a deal to get James Harden — as if that was all Miami would have to give up.
Herro, 21, was just part of the asking price. In order to get Harden, Miami was also asked to trade Duncan Robinson, Kendrick Nunn, Precious Achiuwa, and a slew of future draft picks.
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