Miami Heat: A trade proposition for the Los Angeles Clippers

Heat’s current outlook

Miami’s rotation this year is the same as the end of last year. Although Rodney McGruder has been in the starting lineup more this season, Miami has utilized the same players as last year. Unfortunately, the same team that ended last year as the 6-seed currently sits in ninth place.

The Heat’s biggest problem is the most important part of basketball: scoring. They lack a high volume scorer outside of Josh Richardson (who averages a respectable 18.6 points per game, but shoots a lowly 40.8 percent from the field). Everyone else averages less than 16 points per game.

The Heat as a team are among the worst scoring teams in the league, ranking 23rd in points per game and dead last in field goal percentage. They also rank 22nd in assists per game. Although they rank fifth in 3-pointers made and eighth in 3-point percentage, it hasn’t translated to winning.

The Heat also lack significant assets. Some players are quite valuable, but they don’t have enough pieces to transform Miami into a highly talented team. They will have to look to part with one of their better players if they want to improve their team. In this scenario, the Heat move on from Hassan Whiteside.

Whiteside is one of the best rebounders and shot-blockers in the league, but he is a horrendous playmaker, plays inconsistent defense, has limited scoring ability outside the paint, and can be a head case sometimes. He’s been one of the Heat’s best players for years, but he’s also clashed with head coach Erik Spoelstra multiple times.

Miami should look to move him so it can retain the few young players it has, and because his contract is only for two more years, he shouldn’t be as difficult to move. Looking to deal him for a quality scorer could bring a refreshing change that allows the Heat to be a better scoring team.