Miami Heat: 4 salary cap-saving trades to consider

With the Miami Heat somewhat in a state of flux as to their future direction, here are four trade proposals that enables them to save future salary cap space.

It’s really hard to know what to make of the Miami Heat in 2018-19.

In one sense, you could form an argument that the Heat are not far away from turning things around, having lost five games by just six points or less, and overall being just -33 for the season despite their current 8-13 record.

However, a more realistic viewpoint would highlight the fact the Heat are now 5-8 in clutch situations (with the score being within five points or less with five minutes or less remaining,) clearly not helped by having a 27th-ranked offensive rating in such situations.

While the team could be somewhat excused due to the absence of key players throughout the season, the overall construction of the roster points to a team that should be able to hold up when presented with such challenges.

Following the unsuccessful pursuit of Jimmy Butler, it’s understandable that Heat onlookers would naturally look ahead to see what next step the franchise would take in moving forward.

Will they again try to target a bonafide All-Star? Will they try to blow it up immediately? Or will they take small steps in the form of moving on players in order to gather future salary cap space for the coming seasons?

Of these three options mentioned, the last one is likely the smartest and most achievable. However, given the current struggles of the team, and the sizable contracts of several players, finding a deal with a prospective team is far easier said than done.

With this in mind, here are four trade propositions that significantly improve the Heat’s cap flexibility moving forward.