An intriguing 3-team trade proposition featuring the Miami Heat
By Simon Smith
Trade breakdown
Involving six players and multiple draft picks, here’s the outline of the deal, which works out financially on the TradeNBA trade tool:
For the Heat:
Clearly, nothing drastic has to happen with the Heat’s roster anytime soon. With Goran Dragic now back on the court following a nine-game absence due to a groin injury and Justise Winslow not far behind with his back complaint, the Heat could be at full strength for the first time all season.
And while the duo of Dion Waiters and James Johnson would be their preferred options to deal away, their value on the open market is almost nonexistent. This leaves Kelly Olynyk, who while having certainly providing the Heat a different look as a stretch-big, has seen a reduction in his overall role.
Despite playing almost the same minutes per game, Olynyk seen his touches drop from 46.4 to 36.6 per game.
In Aron Baynes, the Heat are targeting not only a big who can step out to the 3-point line and hit the long ball, but also provide a stronger physical presence down low at the defensive end of the floor.
Although 6’11”, Olynyk has his limitations, with the Heat overmatched during blowout losses to the Los Angeles Lakers and Philadelphia 76ers, where the size of opposition was hard to combat.
And with 6’8” two-way player Chris Silva the only other regular frontcourt rotation player behind Bam Adebayo and Meyers Leonard, the acquisition of another reliable, big-bodied player to man the middle would be enormous. Additionally, the Heat would receive backup point guard Jevon Carter in order for salaries to match.
For the Suns: This definitely represents an enormous risk. Not only are they parting way with their upcoming first-round draft pick, they’re also releasing the expiring $19.2 million contract of Tyler Johnson, which of course could be used in other deals should they arise.
However, considering the manner in which they’ve fallen back to the field, an imminent move could easily be on the cards for general manager James Jones.
In Gordon, the Suns are receiving an athletic defender who has shown at times the capabilities of being a competent scorer. While incumbent starting power forward Dario Saric has been solid in his first season with the Suns, his lack of overall lack of foot speed means his usefulness at the defensive end of the floor is limited.
As a former high lottery pick, a change of scenery could be just the tonic to revitalize Gordon’s career.
As for Ross, the scoring punch he can provide coming off the bench would be immense for the Suns. With a relatively inexperienced second unit, Ross now in his ninth year could be the genuine game-changer that could be invaluable for a franchise desperate to reach the postseason for the first time since they went all the way to the Western Conference Finals in 2010.
And while the loss of Baynes is undoubtedly a blow, the presence of Deandre Ayton, in addition the exciting new additions, should help to ease the loss of the 32-year-old, who is an unrestricted free agent come the end of the season.
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For the Magic: While they are also in the business of reaching the postseason, the Magic need to be realistic. Currently placed precariously in the eighth and final spot in the Eastern Conference playoff race, no one realistically from an outsider’s point of view can see them doing anything serious come the business end of the season.
Including this season, Gordon is owed $54.4 million through the 2021-22 season, while Ross is owed $50 million through 2023. In other words, the Magic’s immediate future is currently largely tied up into this duo.
By making this deal, not only do they get to remove Tyler Johnson’s $19.2 million contract at the end of this season, Kelly Olynyk comes off the books at the end of the 2020-21 season.
In an on-court setting, Olynyk provides the Magic with a different look with his ability to not only shoot the 3-ball, but also as an additional playmaker with his overall court sense. Furthermore, the addition of the Suns’ 2020 first-round draft selection is an added boon for a young, developing squad.
With current leading scorer Evan Fournier on an expiring contract, the move also frees up some cap space to not only re-sign Fournier, but also potentially make some additional moves in the summer.
In all, the deal provides the Heat with an additional interior presence, the Suns with some added firepower, and the Magic with added flexibility as they attempt to rebuild their roster.