NBA Roundtable: 5 possible trade destinations for Kyrie Irving after trade request

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MIAMI, FLORIDA – MARCH 26: Kyrie Irving #11 of the Brooklyn Nets drives to the basket while being defended by Bam Adebayo #13 and Jimmy Butler #22 of the Miami Heat. (Photo by Eric Espada/Getty Images) /

“Irving’s ability could elevate the Heat” -Zach Ciavolella

Regardless of any and all controversy that has transpired with Irving over the past few years, it’s already clear to see that he has a market. One team to keep an eye on is certainly the underperforming Miami Heat.

Miami’s season can be best described as “kept afloat” as they’ve dealt with injuries (primarily to Jimmy Butler and Victor Oladipo) and individual underperformance (Kyle Lowry certainly comes to mind). Bam Adebayo has played his best basketball yet, keeping the team alive, but still, they’ve certainly labored through the season so far.

Swapping Lowry for a player of Irving’s ability could elevate the Heat back to, or at least thereabouts, contender status. Irving’s ability as a shooter and facilitator would take off some of the offensive pressure that is currently on Butler, Adebayo, and sixth-man Tyler Herro. Meanwhile, Irving’s defensive shortcomings would be masked in large part by Miami’s defense which ranks in the top five in both points allowed (second) and defensive efficiency (fourth).