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Miami Heat: 3 potential Tyler Johnson trade destinations

By Simon Smith

MIAMI, FL - APRIL 3: Tyler Johnson #8 of the Miami Heat handles the ball against the Atlanta Hawks on April 3, 2018 at American Airlines Arena in Miami, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Issac Baldizon/NBAE via Getty Images)
MIAMI, FL - APRIL 3: Tyler Johnson #8 of the Miami Heat handles the ball against the Atlanta Hawks on April 3, 2018 at American Airlines Arena in Miami, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Issac Baldizon/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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(Photo by Rocky Widner/NBAE via Getty Images)
(Photo by Rocky Widner/NBAE via Getty Images) /

2. Sacramento Kings

Following an unsuccessful bid for free agent Zach LaVine, the Sacramento Kings now turn their attention elsewhere. After signing LaVine to a four-year, $78 million offer sheet, the Chicago Bulls duly matched the outlandish deal.

One potential target for the Kings could be in the form of Johnson. Clearly building the ground up, the Kings last summer surrounded their emerging young players with the additions of veterans Vince Carter and Zach Randolph. However, with Carter now 41 and Randolph 36, they can’t relied upon greatly moving forward in terms of a significant on-court contributions.

While hardly a veteran, Johnson nonetheless has enjoyed two trips to the postseason, and entering his fifth season in the league certainly has plenty to offer. With a likely starting backcourt of De’Aaron Fox and Buddy Hield, Johnson’s ability to play both the 1 and 2 spots would provide a terrific complement to this exciting, up-and-coming duo.

Critically, the chance to receive a future first round selection is a huge incentive for the Kings.

While Kosta Koufos would be rather negligible in terms of his overall role, Iman Shumpert, on the hand, could certainly provide the Heat with some value. Still just 28, Shumpert’s past season was significantly interrupted by a knee injury, where he played just 14 games for the season. As a result, he didn’t play a single game for the Kings after being dealt midseason from the Cleveland Cavaliers.

However, as an athletic wing with the ability to defend multiple positions, Shumpert could certainly find a place in the rotation considering their emphasis on the defensive end of the floor. Most of all, the acquisition of two expiring contracts is of course the greatest asset.

Overall, the deal — which works out financially on the ESPN Trade Machine — has benefits on both sides of the table, with a the Kings adding a future pick and also a player who played collegiately at nearby Fresno State, while the Heat slash future salary.

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