Trade propositions to kickstart the struggling Miami Heat
By Simon Smith
Milwaukee Bucks — Khris Middleton
Following a promising first round playoff series that saw them take the Toronto Raptors to six games, the Bucks were widely expected to take the next step this season. But thus far, things haven’t gone to plan. Not only have they started the season with an 8-8 record, they have already pulled off a trade, acquiring guard Eric Bledsoe from the Phoenix Suns in exchange for Greg Monroe.
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While they have been solid offensively, ranking 14th in offensive rating at 104.3, their defense has been underwhelming, ranking 22nd in defensive rating at 106.5. Enter Hassan Whiteside, who is currently leading the Heat with a defensive rating of 100.0, his best mark since debuting for the Heat.
With a vast array of wings at their disposal, the acquisition of Whiteside would provide the Bucks with a great deal of balance at both ends of the floor. Furthermore, with Jabari Parker set to return soon from his latest ACL setback, something needs to give.
For the Heat, Middleton would provide them with a strong and steady player at both ends of the floor. Through 16 games, Middleton is averaging 18.7 points, 5.5 rebounds and 4.7 assists in 37.2 minutes per game – all career highs. At 6’8″ with a 6’11” wingspan, Middleton has the size and length to match up on a variety of players, as evidenced by averaging 2.3 deflections and 1.2 steals per game. Also, Middleton currently ranks ninth in the league with 4.0 3-point contests per game.
Furthermore, while he’s shooting at just 32.1 percent this season, Middleton is a career 39.8 percent 3-point shooter. Still just 26, the highly versatile Middleton would make a terrific addition for the Heat.
In order to both make salaries match, and to partly replace Whiteside in the middle, the Heat would need to accommodate center John Henson and the remaining three years and $27.8 million on his current deal.