A Kemba Walker, multi-team blockbuster trade involving the Miami Heat

Heat predicament

While they haven’t been widely reported as being a busy trade participant, Miami resident and media identity, Dan Le Batard, recently stated the following on The Dan Le Batard Show:

"“I would virtually guarantee you that he (Pat Riley) will be trying [to make a deal]. He’s not going to play out the string with this as his team, he’s not going to do it.”"

Considering his affinity with the franchise over the past two decades, Le Batard’s views in regards to the Heat, and more specifically team president Pat Riley, are always well-informed.

At present, the Heat are one of the hottest teams in the league, having won nine of their past 11. As a result, they currently find themselves in fourth place in the Eastern Conference standings with a 27-19 record, just half a game behind the Cavaliers.

However, for as well as they have performed this season despite suffering a lengthy injury list, their regular season form doesn’t represent something that necessarily will translate into postseason success. Despite a number of impressive wins recently, the Heat have had to scratch and claw their way to victory on nearly every occasion.

While this is naturally a great reflection of the franchise as a whole, at the same time it should provide somewhat of a reality check moving forward. Thus far through 46 games, the Heat have compiled a 16-7 record against teams with a sub-500 record, while posting an 11-12 record against teams with a .500 record or greater. Furthermore, they are 4-7 against teams with a .600 record or greater.

Overall, this indicates the Heat are very solid against the lower teams, while being somewhat indifferent against the better teams in the league. But come playoff time, this simply won’t cut the mustard.

Based on his track record, it’s clear that Riley doesn’t do things by halves. If he’s in, he’s all in. So if he and the front office decide to move a key piece, don’t surprised if he moves more than one key player in order to obtain the player(s) he desires. To refresh your memory, check here and here for his past blockbuster transactions.