Miami Heat: 5 players who have the most trade value

1. Josh Richardson

The 2018-19 season is looking to be the best season of Richardson’s young career. The 25-year-old wing averaging a career-highs through 13 games: 20.4 points on 44.5 percent shooting from the field, 4.0 rebounds and 3.3 assists per game. Since he is also a fantastic defender, a case is being made for him being the Heat’s best player. If he can continue this production throughout the season, he will easily be considered Miami’s best player.

Richardson is currently shooting 44.8 percent on 3s, which is second-best on the team, while making 2.9 per game, which is the most on the team. Add this to his phenomenal defense and you have one of the best role players in the game.

The cherry on top is this: Richardson is under contract until 2021 for only $10 million (he’s most likely declining this player option after that year since he is producing way more than what he’s getting paid for). Having someone that young, with that kind of production, on that bargain contract makes for someone with immense trade value.

Admittedly, it’s very unlikely Miami deals Richardson. The only reason why the Heat would ever move him is if they could acquire a star player, but at the moment, none appears to be available for trade. Even if any were, it might be smarter to keep Richardson for the future.

Since Miami is one of the oldest teams in the league, it should be hesitant to move one of its youngest players, especially when he’s quite possibly the best player on the team. However, if an All-Star caliber player becomes available for trade, including Richardson in the trade package would make for an extremely appealing offer.