Despite adding Norman Powell, the Miami Heat still need additional upgrades ahead of the new season if they wish to capitalize on a wide-open Eastern Conference.
Sean Jordan of Sports Illustrated’s “Miami Heat on SI” has proposed a trade that would give the Heat an additional boost without committing long-term money to the cap sheet. The proposed trade looks like this:
Miami Heat receive: Nikola Vucevic, Ayo Dosunmu
Chicago Bulls receive: Terry Rozier, Pelle Larsson and a 2027 second-round pick
“While Vucevic is not the same player he was three seasons ago, he could start at center,” Jordan reasoned. “Miami experimented playing Bam Adebayo at power forward last season. Vucevic and Adebayo’s skillsets are very different with Vucevic being a stronger shooter, especially from beyond the arc. Throw in Kel’el Ware to the equation as well and you got one of the best frontcourts in the entire NBA. Ayo Dosunmu is another solid piece the Heat are acquiring in this mock deal.”
The stumbling block of Jordan’s proposed trade would be Rozier. The veteran guard is currently involved in a betting investigation. As such, teams around the NBA are unlikely to show interest in acquiring the veteran guard. Therefore, the trade proposal could fall at the first hurdle.
However, if the Bulls are interested in shedding some salary next season, they may be tempted to absorb Rozier’s contract as a means to an end.
Heat Could be Done Making Trades
In a recent episode of the “Zaslow Show 2.0” NBA cap expert Bobby Marks explained why he doesn’t expect Miami to make another trade ahead of the new season.
“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.”
Riley will undoubtedly continue looking for ways to improve the current roster. However, the Heat project to have cap space next summer. Therefore, he’s unlikely to risk long-term flexibility unless he’s sure the incoming player can make a legitimate difference.
Heat Could Target Russell Westbrook Addition
In a recent article, Bleacher Report’s Greg Swartz named the Heat as a potential landing spot for Russell Westbrook. He is currently an unrestricted free agent after parting ways with the Denver Nuggets earlier this summer.
“Although he’s 36 and far from a perfect player at this stage in his career, there’s no doubting that Westbrook can still bring the juice to a team’s scoring attack,” Swartz wrote. “…Westbrook would join a guard rotation that features Tyler Herro, Davion Mitchell, Norman Powell and rookie Kasparas Jakučionis, giving Miami a dynamic playmaker that can still get downhill and attack a defense. With making a playoff run still very much the goal, Westbrook can keep the seat warm for a year while Jakučionis learns the NBA game.”
Westbrook could help solve some of the ball-handling issues the Heat are currently facing. Furthermore, if Rozier does remain on the roster, Westbrook could consume his minutes, as he’s the beleaguered guard who is unlikely to feature. Of course, the former MVP will likely have interest from around the NBA.
As such, Miami may need to move fast to secure his services.
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