The Heat decided to pull back in trade discussions when discussing a Josh Richardson-centered deal for Jimmy Butler last season, but the swingman won’t be untouchable in trade talks going forward, Ira Winderman of the Sun Sentinel relays in his latest mailbag.
Winderman writes that if Richardson is needed to complete a deal, he could be in a similar situation to Caron Butler‘s in the mid-2000s. Butler was included in the trade with the Lakers to bring Shaquille O’Neal to the Heat. Richardson, who will turn 26 in September, cooled off as a long-range marksman in 2018/19, making just 35.7% of his attempts from behind the arc. He’s under contract through the 2021/22 season (final year of the pact is a player’s option).
Here’s more from Miami:
- Udonis Haslem could have a role as a consultant with the Heat, Winderman contends in the same piece. Haslem remains undecided about retiring as a player, though Winderman notes that he expects the power forward to actively remain with the Heat in some capacity regardless of his official decision. Former Heat center Alonzo Mourning trains with the team and instructs younger players, though he isn’t required to travel. That wouldn’t be a bad deal if Haslem decides to retire.
- Kevin Porter Jr. (USC) will make a visit to Miami to work out for the Heat, a source tells Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald. Jackson writes that the team is intrigued by his scoring ability, athletism, and high ceiling.
- Pat Riley and the Heat’s brass attended Priority Sports’ Chicago workout last week to see a handful of prospects, Jackson relays in the same piece. Gonzaga’s Brandon Clarke, Purdue’s Carsen Edwards, Maryland’s Bruno Fernando, Wisconsin’s Ethan Happ, Virginia’s Ty Jerome, Nebraska’s Isaiah Roby, Tennessee’s Admiral Schofield, DePaul’s Max Strus and Belmont’s Dylan Windler participated in drills. Jackson notes that Clarke is likely the only prospect in contention for the No. 13 overall pick.
I’d offer Richardson, a future 1st and Winslow for Bradley Beal and see if the Wiz would bite… Better to have one great player than two good ones. Then draft Clarke or Rui… Beal, Bam, DJJ and Rui/Clarke wouldn’t be a bad core to move forward with. At least there would be a star for Miami to build around.
Beal is not a Star. He’s a star with a little S, which means he isn’t going to take you to becoming a top-5 team.
Good trade, Miami needs quality, Washington quantity.
Beal and Holiday should be top trade targets. Wouldn’t rule out Hayward as 3rd team in Davis deal. Richardson or Winslow would be the center piece, not both. Plus players and picks based on player/deal.
Assets will matter here.
Lakers are dangling the #4 pick.
Not sold on Porter, yet. Looks like another Waiters right now.
UD needs to follow the Zo path this summer. Love him but it’s time to move on.
Sooo wasteful of Riley not to swap Richardson for Butler!!! How can you pass on the chance for a star player, specially to keep someone like Richardson?!?!? It beggars believe!!!
Heat offered more than philly
Draft is interesting for the Heat at 13. Several options to choose from. I could see 1 or 2 guys falling to them there, and there are some similar options in their range.
I’m not too prepared for the draft yet, but I feel like I was in similar position at this time last year. I’m definitely interested in hearing more reports from certain players’ workouts