NBA Trades Southeast Division: Miami Heat – Mike Muscala
The Miami Heat are among the select few teams that do not need to make a trade before the deadline, as their roster is well-rounded as is. Yet, due to some current issues in their frontcourt, making a low-risk move for a big man like Mike Muscala would be reasonable.
Starting center Bam Adebayo has been out for a significant portion of the season with a torn UCL, while backup Dewayne Dedmon has missed time with a knee injury. Forward Markieff Morris has missed a sizeable chunk of the year after he suffered a neck injury following a blindsided shove by Nikola Jokic.
While the emergence of rookie Omer Yurtseven has kept the Heat afloat, Muscala could help bolster Miami’s rotation momentarily.
The 6-foot-10 Muscala can play either the power forward or center position and stretch the floor offensively, as he is shooting a career-high 43.8 percent from three on the season.
That sweet outside shooting would help him fit seamlessly with the team that ranks second in the association in three-point percentage. Though he is not outstanding on the defensive end, Muscala’s offense would make him a serviceable piece for the Heat to utilize until they get fully healthy.
With Muscala making $3.5 million this season, the Heat could absorb his salary fairly easily if they so desired. The OKC Thunder would likely be willing to part ways with the veteran if the Heat were willing to cough up a second-rounder or a young piece, given their current rebuilding timeline. Though Miami may just elect to stand pat, this would be an understandable move.