Miami Heat: 5 trades and free agent signings to rejuvenate the roster

3. Deal Goran Dragic to the Utah Jazz

Overall, this proposed deal benefits each team tremendously, assuming Dragic opts in to the final year of his contract.

For the Jazz, they receive a starting point guard on an expiring deal in Dragic. With Ricky Rubio a free agent and unlikely to return, Dragic’s ability to contribute on a more consistent basis from the perimeter would be a welcome addition for the Jazz. Appearing in just 36 games last season due to a midseason knee injury, the Dragon was unable to perform at the level of the season prior that saw him named an All-Star for the first time in his career.

Recently turned 33, Dragic nonetheless still has at least a couple more seasons of performing at a high level. Unlikely to commit long-term to Rubio, the deal provides Utah with an excellent short-term option in Dragic, while maintaining flexibility in the coming seasons.

While he can play as a stretch-4, Jae Crowder would most likely need to switch to the small forward spot when taking into account the other deals about to be featured.

In the final year of his deal, Crowder has shown he has the ability to both hit the 3-point shot and guard multiple positions at the defensive end of the floor. A member of several postseason runs with both the Jazz and the Boston Celtics, Crowder is no stranger to big games, and would be a terrific addition for the Heat.

https://twitter.com/utahjazz/status/1078535619549130752

The other part of the equation is Dante Exum. The No. 5 overall pick in 2014, Exum has been struck by the injury bug in a significant way since the entering the league. Having missed 108 games over the past two seasons due to a variety of injuries, it’s hard to ascertain just where Exum stands moving forward. In his limited time on the floor, he has demonstrated the ability to use his athletic, 6’6″ frame to be a tremendous presence any the defensive end.

However, his consistency at the offensive end still leaves a lot to be desired, particularly as a perimeter shooter. Considering he is still just 23, and is locked up under contract for the next two seasons, Exum remains an intriguing prospect, and one definitely worth taking a flier on from the Heat’s perspective.