Miami Heat Trade Rumors As The Deadline Draws Near
The NBA trade deadline of 2024 is in a few days. The Miami Heat traded for guard Terry Rozier on January 23rd, marking their first action. However, the team’s most recent 7-game losing skid indicated that they still required additional support. After making it to the Finals the previous season, they never acquired the star they required. Depending on who it is, they might need two more pieces. “No one knows what the hell Miami is going to do,” according to reports. When Pat Riley is in charge, anything can happen.
Here are some Miami Heat trade speculations as the deadline draws near. Heat speculations have surfaced for some players, but not for others.
Miami Heat Trade Rumors As The Deadline Draws Near
P.J. Tucker
The words “home sweet home” were written as a caption for an image of an expressway exit leading to Miami Beach that Clippers forward P.J. Tucker shared on his Instagram story on Saturday. Many people have taken the message to mean that Tucker wants a trade to the Heat or that one could happen soon. The fact that Tucker has not been thrilled with his role in Los Angeles is already well known. Both parties would be happy for him to return to Miami, where he played in 71 games (starting 70) as a member of the Heat squad that finished first in the East and advanced to the Conference Finals.
Kelly Olynyk
Kelly Olynyk and the Heat could reunite in another scenario. He is flawless. In addition to being tall, he can pass and shoot. They require one more large one. During his three-and-a-half-year previous stay in South Beach, he was quite productive. Many teams have reportedly expressed interest in him, and he will be highly sought after on the trade market. Not too bad for an asking price for a backup on an expiring contract. Plus, there’s a strong Miami connection there because Olynyk has previously spent time with the team.
Mitchell Donovan
This one has to be brought up. Over the past few years, Donovan Mitchell has been associated with the Heat on numerous occasions in trade speculation. We are aware of the Heat’s admiration and interest in him. The issue is that, with Mitchell in the lineup, the Cavaliers are reportedly “going to ride it out this season,” according to reports from a number of sources. In the NBA, things can change quickly, so it’s not impossible—especially if an offer is made that’s good enough.
Finney-Smith, Dorian
Dorian Finney-Smith would provide the Heat with the extra size they need. He has played a reliable role his entire career. A strong 3-and-D player may significantly strengthen this team. The issue is that Brooklyn seems to be asking a hefty price for him, which is probably not worth it.
Royce O’Neale
Another Nets player who would make sense is Royce O’Neale. Despite being smaller than Finney-Smith, he might still work well because he is the quintessential 3-and-D guard. Since his contract is about to expire, I doubt that the requested amount would be too much for him.
Grant Jerami
It doesn’t make much sense to have a guy like Jerami Grant when the Trail Blazers are in the midst of a major rebuild. Grant is the kind of player the Heat need—someone who can score and defend effectively. I’m not sure how probable it is that he will be traded to Miami, though, as he is under a sizable contract and will certainly have other suitors. But he can be well worth it, depending on the cost. Tyler Herro would undoubtedly be a target for Portland, and if they made a firm offer, a trade would be unlikely. Herro may not be traded by the Heat for someone like Grant, but I doubt they would do it.
Alex Caruso
The heat would be ideal for Alex Caruso. He is the kind of player Miami could use because he is strong on both offense and defense. Although it didn’t appear like the Bulls wanted to trade him, Zach LaVine’s season-long injury may cause things to change.
Bridges Miles
I feel compelled to bring this up because I have seen it brought up. The talent that Miles Bridges possesses is undeniable. At the moment, his averages for steals, rebounds, and points are all career highs. But everyone knows why the contentious Hornets were eliminated from the league the previous campaign. From a purely basketball standpoint, Miami would be crazy not to trade for Bridges. However, given the intensity of Heat culture and Bridges’s off-court problems, it is probably unlikely.
Markkanen Lauri
In his first season in Salt Lake City, Lauri Markkanen became an All-Star for the first time in his career. Last year, he finally had his big breakout season. I think it would be wishful thinking to get him to Miami, especially considering the Jazz have just expressed “no interest” in dealing with him. However, since he would be a fantastic match and exactly what this team needs, there is no harm in giving Utah a call and making an offer.
André Drummond
In order to aid them in the closing stages, Andre Drummond has become a player that a number of competitors may be interested in trading for. He is a seasoned center with a ton of expertise, so he might be quite helpful. Although I haven’t seen anything connecting him to Miami, I do believe that the Heat would benefit from a trade for him because it would provide them with another player to complement Bam Adebayo.
