It’s been a rather quiet summer for the Miami Heat, especially in terms of new additions to the roster. After missing out on Kevin Durant to begin the summer, Miami has rarely been mentioned in trade rumors.
Yet, if Pat Riley is still looking for ways to improve the current roster, Eric Pincus of Bleacher Report has proposed a 3-team trade that could do just that. The trade proposal looks like this:
Boston Celtics Receive: Walker Kessler and a $27.7 million traded player exception
Utah Jazz Receive: Terry Rozier, Jaime Jaquez Jr., Neemias Queta, a 2026 first-round draft pick (Celtics), a 2026 second-round draft pick (Celtics), a 2029 protected first-round draft pick (Heat), $5.5 million in cash from Boston and a $4.9 million traded player exception for Kessler.
Miami Heat Receive: Anfernee Simons, John Tonje (draft rights) and a $3.9 million traded player exception
“The Heat recently acquired Norman Powell from the Clippers, so why would the team covet Simons?,” Pincus wrote. “Powell, 32, will help, but he’s in the last year of his contract and may not be a long-term fixture for the Heat. Simons, 26, is younger and more capable as a lead ball-handling guard. Coach Erik Spoelstra can pair Herro with Simons, bringing Powell off the bench in a familiar sixth-man role. Along with prospective starting forward Andrew Wiggins, the rest of the rotation needs to support the backcourt defensively.”
Simons would be a strong long-term addition to Miami’s roster. Nevertheless, he would certainly need to improve his defensive production if he wanted to impress Erik Spoelstra. Fortunately for Simons, Miami has a stellar track record when it comes to player development.
Heat Could Target Precious Achiuwa in Free Agency
In a July 29 article for ClutchPoints, Brett Siegel predicted that Riley could acquire Precious Achiuwa via free agency. Miami is in need of some additional front-court depth. Currently, the big man rotation is set to feature Bam Adebayo and Kel’el Ware. An extra body is certainly a necessity.
“One team that could still use some frontcourt help this offseason is the Miami Heat,” Siegel wrote. “Not only does this fit make sense because Achiuwa can play behind Bam Adebayo and improve his all-around game, but the former Knicks big man recently purchased a two-bedroom condo in South Beach…Miami has an open roster spot, and they can sign Achiuwa without crossing their first-apron hard cap…Prediction: Precious Achiuwa stays in Eastern Conference, joins Heat frontcourt behind Bam Adebayo.”
Achiuwa wouldn’t be a prize addition for Miami. He would, however, be a perfect fit for the second unit. He is, after all, a solid rebounder and screener as well as being a versatile defender in the front court.
Heat Could Be Done Making Trades This Summer
Another reason why Achiuwa may be a more logical target for the Heat is that they may be done working on the trade market. In a recent episode of the “Zaslow Show 2.0,” NBA cap expert Bobby Marks shared his belief that the franchise will stand pat until next summer.
“I mean, listen, we’re going to see probably within the next couple of days, Beal become available in free agency,” Marks said. “I think the Norman Powell move eliminates that, as far as what they need. They’re a little bit below the first apron, so they can go out and sign a minimum guy if they want to do that. But I’m not anticipating another big move.”
Still, if the Heat were looking to shake things up, a trade like Pincus’ would be ideal, especially as it would give them another mid-20s talent who can grow with the franchise. Miami would finally have its backcourt of the future.
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