The Miami Heat’s injury issues could force the team to make a drastic trade, according to a new article from Bleacher Report.
The Heat have dealt with key players missing time early in the season. Tyler Herro has missed 23 games, Nikola Jovic has missed 10 games, Norman Powell has missed five games, among others.
Michael Saenz’s new article suggests the Heat could be forced to make up for their lost production by trading for a superstar.
The article says: “In what has been an injury-plagued start to the season, the Miami Heat could find themselves at a place where they have no option but to embrace being a seller at the NBA Trade Deadline.”
The Heat are consistently marked as a landing spot for superstars who are seeking trades from their current franchises.
Players such as Kevin Durant, Damian Lillard and Anthony Davis have all been mocked to the Heat in past seasons.
While the front office has been hesitant to give up young players for superstars in previous seasons, the Heat started the season 14-7 and third in the Eastern Conference.
The team’s early-season success before injuries started to pile up could persuade Pat Riley to make a trade he has been hesitant to pursue.
The Miami Heat Could Target Two Particular Stars
GettyThe Miami Heat could target Memphis Grizzlies star Ja Morant.
Among the players who have been rumored to be on the move, none have made as much noise as the Milwaukee Bucks‘ Giannis Antetokounmpo and the Memphis Grizzlies’ Ja Morant.
Antetokounmpo has not officially requested a trade. However, NBA insider Shams Charania reported over the Summer that he would “explore his best fits outside of Milwaukee.”
In recent weeks, trade rumors surrounding the two-time MVP have ramped up, with the Miami Heat being one of the teams thrown in the mix.
If the Heat emerge as “sellers,” making players such as Andrew Wiggins and Kel’el Ware available, the Bucks could be tempted to make a trade.
Morant has similarly not requested a trade, but his time with the Grizzlies may be coming to an end.
Tensions were reportedly high between Morant and the Grizzlies, leading to his name being mentioned as a potential superstar who could be on the move.
While Morant is considered a talented player, off-the-court issues and recent injuries have softened his trade value.
A package for Morant would likely be considerably cheaper than a package for Antetokounmpo in a potential trade.
The Miami Heat’s Championship Window is Closing
GettyThe Miami Heat could miss their championship window without a blockbuster trade.
The Miami Heat’s current roster is not in a position to compete for the NBA Finals.
The Heat have floated around the play-in tournament the last three seasons. The team is in a position to extend the play-in streak another year.
The article says: “With hopes that this season could be different, that simply hasn’t been the case. And that’s troubling for a team that has some big long-term decisions to make regarding a few of their current players.”
The Heat’s offseason moves paid off. The team decided not to trade Kel’el Ware and traded for Norman Powell. Both players have made a positive impact.
Despite the production from both Powell and Ware, the Heat still doesn’t have a true superstar.
If the Heat heavily pursues either Antetokounmpo or Morant, it could be the move to push them over the hump.
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