Miami had talks with the Thunder on at least two occasions this offseason, discussing Russell Westbrook – before OKC dealt him to Houston – and Chris Paul. Sean Deveney of Heavy.com hears that the Heat were reluctant to include Tyler Herro in that deal or any deals over the summer.
“They’ve been firm on him and (Bam) Adebayo being untouchable,” one GM told Deveney. “Maybe they would move off of that as the season goes on, but as it stands, they think they’ve got the second coming of Klay Thompson offensively. They have not had a lot of useful guys on rookie contracts in past years and that’s killed their cap. They’ve got two now, they don’t want to let them go.”
Herro was the No. 13 overall pick in the 2019 draft. Adebayo, who is set to take over the team’s starting center spot, was the No. 14 overall pick in the 2017 draft. Both players give the franchise hope for the future and are long-term building blocks on a roster that has the necessary pieces to compete for the playoffs now.
Yet, in order for the Heat to take the next step toward title contention, they may have to acquire another established star (such as Bradley Beal). Miami will have trouble putting together a legit trade package worthy of one without including their young prospects since the team already owes a pair of first-round picks to Oklahoma City and can’t deal another first-rounder earlier than its 2025 pick.
Herro has looked so good for far, really impressed.
I think it’s worth thinking about trading Dion Waiters to give Herro back up minutes behind Butler.
No team is giving Miami anything for Dion Waiters.
Unless it’s OKC and they’re unloading Chris Paul on them.
Dion Waiters isn’t that good but he’s not awful. He’s on 12 mil for 2 years which is a decent contract and he can contribute. He shot 38% from behind the arc last year and teams could always do with more shooting.
Actually a Grizzlies trade deal of Waiters for Crowder, Melton and a second makes alot of sense.
Paul is nothing but a dead end money pit. OKC should just settle into Paul at PG and SGA at SG for the next 3 years. This would also give SGA the PG spot for the yearly 20-25 games Paul misses.
Perfectly happy starting Waiters next to Butler. He’ll be good for 18-20ppg this year. Plus Dragic and Winslow are way better than Paul for a whole lot less money.
Chris Paul to the Heat, No Thanks.
Heck, send Paul to the Wolves.
Now if OKC wants to talk about a Waiters, Leonard for Gallinari trade, then Riley may be open to that.
CP3 with KAT @ the T’wolves would be awesome to watch dude!!!
Firstly Crowder can’t be traded with any other players and because of his 6 mil deal Waiters who’s on 12 mil won’t work. Secondly Waiters wouldn’t start next to Butler, Butler will start next to Winslow. Winslow is a far better player than Waiters.
As for Paul coming to the Heat, I personally like the idea. Paul is a future HOF, he’s still good for 18/8/3, he’s a good defender and good leader. I’d give up Dragic and either Johnson or Waiters plus a second round pick.
Lastly Waiters and Leonard for Gallo is never happening. Gallo is a fringe all star if in the east, he’s good for 18/3/6 and because of his 1 years deal he has really good value. OKC will want a first for him.
I really want Miami to grab another star to make the east more interesting but as the article states, they’re pretty tapped. No good picks, and overpaid role players are all that’s available if they don’t include Butler, Herro, or Bam in trades.