Miami Heat: A trade proposition for the Golden State Warriors
By Simon Smith
Heat outlook
Currently in seventh place in the Eastern Conference standings with a 17-17 record, the Heat are more or less meeting their preseason expectations. With the top five in the East seemingly entrenched, the Heat are thus battling for one of the final three playoff positions.
In addition to the continued improvement of shooting guard Josh Richardson, the most notable takeaway thus far has been the sudden transformation in the game of Justise Winlsow.
While the loss of point guard Goran Dragic was naturally a blow for a team bereft of All-Star talent, Dragic’s absence may become the very definition of a blessing in disguise.
Over his past 10 games. the 22-year-old Winslow has averaged 15.5 points, 5.5 rebounds and 4.6 assists in 30.1 minutes per game while shooting at an excellent 50.4 percent clip from the field, including 41.2 percent from 3.
At 6’7″ and with the ability to handle the ball and run an offense, it’s fascinating to consider just how far Winslow can progress in the coming years if given the reins on an permanent basis.
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In addition to Richardson and Winslow, second-year center Bam Adebayo has demonstrated flashes of his significant upside despite the presence of starting center Hassan Whiteside.
In addition to his elite athleticism and exceptional work ethic, Adebayo has demonstrated an improved all-round game, Not only has he completed 16 games of at least eight rebounds, he has also recorded seven games in which he has dished out at least four assists.
Notably, the Heat are 6-1 when Adebayo has posted at least four dimes.
Clearly, this exciting trio represents the greatest upside on the Heat, and thus the highest possible return in a potential trade.
Therefore, it’s a task for the Heat front office to determine just how much upside and potential this trio possesses, and weight that up against the returns realized in a potential deal.