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2016 NBA Trade Deadline Grades For All 30 Teams

By Gerald Bourguet

Nov 30, 2014; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Phoenix Suns forward Markieff Morris (11) drives to the basket under pressure from Orlando Magic forward Tobias Harris (12) at US Airways Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 30, 2014; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Phoenix Suns forward Markieff Morris (11) drives to the basket under pressure from Orlando Magic forward Tobias Harris (12) at US Airways Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /
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NBA Trade Deadline
Jan 21, 2015; Charlotte, NC, USA; Miami Heat guard Dwyane Wade (3) looks to pass as he is defended by Charlotte Hornets guard Brian Roberts (22) during the first half of the game at Time Warner Cable Arena. Mandatory Credit: Sam Sharpe-USA TODAY Sports /

Miami Heat

In a series of minor moves, Miami Heat president Pat Riley pulled a Houdini and magically wiggled his team’s way out of the luxury tax. The fun began with the three-team Courtney Lee trade, jettisoning Chris Andersen and two second round picks to Memphis for backup point guard Brian Roberts.

The Birdman was a necessary loss, getting his $5 million contract off the books. Of course, shipping away another two second round picks amounted to the actions of a man who doesn’t really give a damn what the team’s draft pick situation looks like a few years down the road when he’s long gone.

But even with Tyler Johnson injured and Beno Udrih underwhelming in his backup role at the point, Roberts’ stay in South Beach was short lived, as he was traded along with a future second round pick to the Portland Trail Blazers after his first practice with the team.

Roberts may have served as a quality second or third guard, but by moving him out, Riley continued to work his salary cap magic.

Of course, shipping out the rarely used Jarnell Stokes — acquired from the Mario Chalmers trade earlier in the season — also helped in that regard. Before dealing Roberts for the second time in the last 72 hours, Riley sent the 22-year-old power forward to the New Orleans Pelicans. Stokes played a grand total of 14 minutes in five appearances during his Miami tenure.

The move amounted to a salary dump, and when you combine all three of Riley’s salary dumps, the savings are not negligible:

With a deft little bit of maneuvering, the Heat have ducked the luxury repeater tax, which will help them in free agency this summer. Shipping out three future second round draft picks and not having anything to show for it hurts, but with Chris Bosh’s health situation in the air, it might not be about contending for a championship this season anymore.

Grade: B+

Next: Milwaukee Bucks