Last Week: Beat Orlando Magic 102-97, Beat Cleveland Cavaliers 113-98, Lost to Memphis Grizzlies 89-85, Lost to Indiana Pacers 137-110
This Week: 3/21 vs. Indiana Pacers, 3/23 vs. Phoenix Suns, 3/25 vs. Portland Trail Blazers, 3/26 at Charlotte Hornets
Avery Bradley
Before the trade earlier this week the easy answer was Meyers “Line Item” Leonard. He was already injured. When he used a slur on stream, he became even more expendable. There is certainly a place for a debate on whether he should have even remained on the team long enough to be traded but that is another column.
Avery Bradley has yet to gain a foothold with the Miami Heat. He has dealt with a collection of injuries and has been limited to just 10 games this season. When he is on the court, he is an ideal Heat player: tough on defense and able to pick his spots on offense. He would thrive in his role if he could remain healthy.
The Heat are likely not done making moves so if they are to make a trade someone is going to have to be moved. Bradley would have value to other teams when healthy and therefore becomes the most expendable and valuable simultaneously. Prior to consecutive losses to end the week, the Heat were one of the hottest teams in the sport. They are ready to build on that to make a chase for another trip to the NBA Finals. The trade deadline is the next step on that path.