Miami Heat rumors: 3 trade targets for sought-after final piece

No. 3: LaMarcus Aldridge

Big man LaMarcus Aldridge, age 34, of the San Antonio Spurs is a potential trade target for the Miami Heat. Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald reported that the Heat could trade for Aldridge or his teammate, DeMar DeRozan.

"A source in contact with the Spurs said San Antonio hasn’t decided what to do regarding LaMarcus Aldridge and Demar DeRozan but that it views the Heat as a potential trade partner if it decides to make a move with either one. Though there’s no indication of any aggressive Heat pursuit of either at this time, one source said Heat/Spurs contact was expected, if it hasn’t happened already. Pat Riley previously pursued both players when they were free agents and both have deals with only one more full season."

Aldridge is averaging 19.1 points, 7.5 points, and 2.4 assists on 50.7 percent shooting. The seven-time All-Star isn’t what he used to be, but has introduced a new wrinkle to his game this season: 3-point shooting. He’s shooting 43.7 percent from beyond the arc on 2.7 attempts per game, both of which are career highs.

An improved outside shot is certainly a benefit, but Aldridge still does most of his damage from inside the arc. Only 17 percent of his shot attempts are 3-pointers. The Heat are in need of a more willing 3-point shooter next to Bam Adebayo. Adebayo’s current frontcourt partner, Meyers Leonard, takes 51 percent of his shots from 3 (and makes 45.7 percent of them).

Additionally, Aldridge isn’t a strong defender. He would be serviceable as the middle man in Miami’s 2-3 zone, but he would still be a weak link. San Antonio’s opponents have an offensive rating of 115.4 when Aldridge is on the court and a 108.6 when he isn’t.

Aldridge could be a productive bench player, but it’s not too likely that the career-long starter suddenly accepts a bench role. He makes $26 million this year, $24 million next year and then is an unrestricted free agent. At his age (35 years old in July), Aldridge isn’t worth that money. For several reasons, Miami should not make a move for him.