Miami Heat: Pros and cons of a potential Chris Paul trade

Overall

Based on all the evidence available, taking on Chris Paul and his gargantuan contract is an enormous risk. While a completely case, the Miami Heat have recently seen first-hand the risks associated when having an ageing point guard on your roster.

While he was named an All-Star for the first time in 2018, the first signs of a slight decline were evident last season in Goran Dragic.

Having shot at no worse than a 45 percent clip from the field since arriving in Miami in February 2015, Dragic returned an anemic 41.9 percent last season, his lowest percentage since his 2008-09 rookie season. As a result, his 13.7 points per game were his lowest since 2012-13.

Additionally, Dragic’s 36 appearances due to midseason knee surgery was the lowest mark on his career. While this is clearly a concern, and that he’s far removed from Paul’s level as a player, Dragic is 33 with just one year and $19.2 million remaining on his contract.

Paul is owed $124 million over the coming three seasons at age 34 with back-to-back injury-interrupted seasons.

Whether it’s Paul or another big-name player, it strongly appears that Pat Riley and the Heat are interested in teaming Jimmy Butler with a second star.

Given Riley’s desire to win sooner rather than later, it would not be inconceivable to see Chris Paul in a Miami Heat jersey come the 2019-20 season, despite the significant risks attached.