The point guard position has been a long-standing issue for the Miami Heat. Terry Rozier was the latest attempt to find a solution to the primary ball-handler role; unfortunately, that hasn’t gone as planned.
In a recent article for Bleacher Report, Zach Buckley pinpointed Coby White of the Chicago Bulls as someone who could step into a lead guard role for the Heat. Buckley provided a trade idea, too.
Heat Gets: Coby White
Bulls Get: Nikola Jovic and Simone Fontecchio
The 25-year-old no longer seems cemented into the long-term plans, due in no small part to the fact that unrestricted free agency awaits him after the upcoming season,” Buckley wrote. “Maybe that motivates the Bulls’ brass to get something for White now and not risk losing him for nothing later. They could be getting quite a bit here, as Jović has flashed a really interesting mix of size (6’10”), shot-making and ball-handling, and Fontecchio holds obvious bounce-back potential after losing more than six points off of his three-point percentage (33.5, down from 40.1 in 2023-24).”
White has enjoyed back-to-back impressive seasons for the Bulls. Last season, White averaged 20.4 points, 3.7 rebounds and 4.5 assists per game. He shot 45.3% from the field and 37% from deep.
White Is Heading Toward Unrestricted Free Agency
One reason why the Heat would be unlikely to target White via a trade this season is that he’s heading toward unrestricted free agency. Miami would need assurances that he would re-sign with the franchise, especially if they’re giving up Jovic as part of the deal.
Furthermore, there would need to be a level of confidence that White could slot into Erik Spoelstra’s roster. After all, you don’t want to sign him to a multi-year deal if he’s going to struggle the same way Rozier has.
However, if White is willing to re-sign with the Heat, and Miami believes he can be a key part of the roster, then a deal could make sense for both parties.
Heat Previously Refused To Trade Jovic
Another stumbling block that Buckley’s proposal could encounter is the Heat’s unwillingness to trade Jovic. A recent report from Heat insider Barry Jackson noted how the Heat refused to include Jovic in a trade package for Kevin Durant.
“Per source with direct knowledge, Heat was willing to offer Wiggins, Rozier, Highsmith, Jaquez and 20th pick in June’s draft for Durant & Cody Martin,” Jackson reported via X. “Per Shams, Suns wanted Jaquez, Jović, Highsmith, 20th pick and a pick swap (as well as Wiggins/Rozier inclusion). SO…Jovic and Kasparas J. need to work out for justify the decision, which was a difficult one for Heat to reach.”
If Pat Riley didn’t want to add Jovic into a deal for Durant, it’s hard to envision him changing his stance in a move for White. As such, a hypothetical trade offer for White is unlikely to feature Jovic as part of the outgoing package. Clearly, the Heat’s front office thinks highly of him.
Fortunately for Miami, they have numerous young talents to dangle in a trade. So, if White does become a target for the franchise, they should have enough assets to at least entice the Bulls front office to the negotiating table.
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