Miami Heat: 4 salary cap-saving trades to consider

4. Portland Trail Blazers

The Blazers are just one of a number of teams in the Western Conference in contention for a playoff berth. Currently in seventh place with a 13-9 record, the Blazers have again had a solid start to the season. However, despite reaching the postseason in each of the past five seasons, the Blazers have not made any significant inroads, with three of these five series resulting in a first round exit.

Therefore, the opportunity to upgrade talent without sacrificing any of their main assets would naturally be welcomed by the Blazers front office. Once again, the backcourt duo of Damian Lillard and CJ McCollum has led the way with its sublime play, while center Jusuf Nurkic has bounced back following a subpar season.

Unfortunately, the overall depth of the Blazers is again lacking, with the trio of Lillard, McCollum and Nurkic being the only players on the roster to average in double figures in scoring. Furthermore, with Portland far from being a haven for prospective free agents, the chance to bring aboard some exciting talent can never be overlooked.

Currently in his ninth year in the league, Evan Turner in his now in his third season with the Blazers, and has been solid in his role primarily as the team’s sixth man.

However, for the Heat, the most attractive component is his contract that expires at the end of the 2019-20 season. Signed to a four-year, $70 million deal in the summer of 2016, Turner is owed $17.9 million this season and $18.6 million the following year.

For the Blazers, the additions of Dion Waiters and Justise Winslow represent a real boost to the second unit. Still just 26, Waiters when last healthy was a significant factor in the Heat pulling off a 30-11 run to complete the 2016-17 regular season. After playing just 30 games last season while significantly hampered by an ankle injury, Waiters has yet to play this season due to the aforementioned ankle injury that required season-ending surgery.

In addition, Winslow represents a former lottery pick currently in his fourth season. In a similar mold to Turner, Winslow is an extremely versatile 6’7″ forward, who in addition to his excellent work on the defensive end has shown an increasing ability to act as a playmaker.

The main sticking point with Winslow’s arrival is the three-year, $39 million extension starting next season, which he recently signed with Miami. However, with the final year being a team option, this may make it slightly more attractive deal for the Blazers.