Miami Heat: 5 trades and free agent signings to rejuvenate the roster
By Simon Smith
With the roster in need of a reshape, here are five steps the Miami Heat could follow this summer in order to return to the postseason.
In the past month, two separate and highly reputable reporters have indicated that the Miami Heat are bound to be active players in the trade market this summer.
The subject was first raised by Zach Lowe of ESPN on The Lowe Post podcast. When discussing the vast array of big name players likely to change teams in the offseason, Lowe stated:
"“I think the Heat are going to be incredibly aggressive trying to get their hands on one of these guys, somehow, anyway, sign-and-trade….I know they’re going to be aggressive.”"
Most recently, this was verified by Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald. In the midst of his report detailing the Heat and their offseason, Jackson stated:
"“Team president Pat Riley is hardly giving up on doing something significant this summer. That’s the message from league sources who have spoken to the Heat’s front office in recent weeks…. They expect the Heat to be aggressive in pursuing potential trades for high-quality starters who are made available, as long as the cap consequences aren’t too onerous….one NBA official said the impression was that everything is on the table.”"
Given their salary cap position, the Heat face an incredible challenge in landing the requisite players capable of leading the Heat deep into the postseason. Assuming incumbent free agents Goran Dragic and Hassan Whiteside opt into the final year of their respective deals, the Heat will be on the books for $140.2 million in the 2019-20 season.
Despite recently turning 74, Heat team president Pat Riley has no plans of going away quietly any time soon. Recently in an interview with Dan Le Batard on ESPN, Riley outlined his vision:
"“I’m still chasing another championship with Erik [Spoelstra] and with Micky [Arison] and with the team. And how we’re going to get there, I don’t know, but we’re going to get there again one day, and I believe that.”"
Armed with some intriguing young pieces, an upcoming lottery pick and Riley’s insatiable appetite for a final ring, the Heat could very well be a surprise team come the end of the offseason. With this in mind, here are five enthralling trade propositions the Heat should entertain this summer.