11 Wildcard trade candidates ahead of the deadline

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Kyle Lowry (Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images) /

NBA Trade Candidate: Kyle Lowry

There appear to be conflicting reports as to whether Kyle Lowry will indeed be moved ahead of the trade deadline, but let’s assume that he will be. Why? Lowry has drastically underperformed his nearly $30 million contract this season, and the Heat are almost certainly looking to offload his contract.

Lowry has been mentioned as a possible trade target for the Minnesota Timberwolves, while their point guard D’Angelo Russell has been mentioned as a target for the Heat. Go figure.

Minnesota Timberwolves insider believes Miami Heat would be interested in D’Angelo Russell-Kyle Lowry swap: https://t.co/gxkR6fW0Qo
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) January 15, 2023

It’s possible that they could be dealt for one another, with the Heat also sending back a first-round pick before the deadline.

Or, if that doesn’t happen, the Heat could potentially work out a sign-and-trade for Russell this summer, with Lowry being sent back as well as an asset. Either way, the Heat appear likely to move on from Lowry given that he’ll be 37 next season, declining, and also earning nearly $30 million. To be clear, he can still help a team, but the Heat can find better value at that price tag.