The Heat aren’t actively pursuing a trade for Bulls guard Zach LaVine, according to Barry Jackson of The Miami Herald, who says he’d be surprised if that stance changes. Miami was previously cited as a destination LaVine would have interest in.
As Jackson explains, the Heat’s proximity to the tax aprons going forward is an important factor in their decision not to go after LaVine. Moving Tyler Herro as the centerpiece in a LaVine trade would significantly increase the team’s salary in future seasons, since Herro is owed $120MM over the next four years, while LaVine will make $178MM.
Herro is also five years younger than LaVine and is still improving as a scorer, so the Heat don’t particularly want to give him up in a deal for the Bulls guard, Jackson notes. Using Kyle Lowry‘s expiring contract and other pieces in an offer for LaVine would be another option, but that would create even higher tax penalties and more financial restrictions and in future seasons, and LaVine and Herro have overlapping skill sets.
Essentially, as Jackson writes, it sounds like the Heat don’t view LaVine as the sort of player who is worth surrendering key trade assets and sacrificing future flexibility for. The Bulls, on the other hand, have reportedly set a high asking price for the two-time All-Star, so the two teams are unlikely to agree on his value.
The Heat might have interest in guard Alex Caruso if Chicago makes him available, Jackson says, but he’s not sure the team would even part with a first-round pick for the defensive stalwart. If that’s the case, Miami almost certainly wouldn’t be the highest bidder for Caruso, who is expected to generate widespread interest.
I would think OG would be a target for them. OG and Schroeder for Lowry and picks.
I mean OG fits a need for almost every team. If the Raptors don’t sell off pieces I’d be shocked.
Marcus Smart, Caruso, those defenders. They need another big too. Caruso + Drummond.
I don’t think Toronto would trade OG for that and along with the best player in the world for Lowry and picks. I think the best player in the world in Dennis would be good in Miami. I agree they need a real center. Bam is 6’8 and cannot defend taller centers. Bam would flourish more at PF. Drummond would be great in Miami too. 6’8 centers lol
Bam has successfully proven that he can guard anyone 1-5 at a high level. Please watch more Heat to better understand.
1-5 at a high level lol. He cannot guard the 1 PG spot come on. I watched D White on the Celtics out rebound him and for a offensive rebound for the put back win. I have seen taller defenders dominate him offensively. He should be playing PF. You guys just need a better starting PG and a starting defensive center. Fulks and Drummond are on the trade block
Raptors got Kai Jones? Dang.
Raptors have what 2 FRPs available? Idk if any one else drops 3 on a potential rental. At least not real ones, maybe swaps.
Heat*
If the Bulls have set a high asking price I am going to guess Lavine doesn’t get moved in season
Derozan is better
Take what you can get for LaVine and move on already.
It’s not like LaVine can’t be a starter. There are plenty of starting guards who suck at defense. But it really limits the teams he could be effective on. Miami isn’t one of them, and Herro is a better fit anyway.
And given how well they’ve been playing even without Herro, the Heat don’t need to make a move for him. Maybe for a 4, but not a 2, and certainly not LaVine.
Bulls have fooled themselves into thinking the only thing wrong was Lonzo getting hurt. They would be just as lost right now with Lonzo.
DeRozan is still a good player, but he is nowhere near where he was when he first arrived in Chicago. He had an MVP-caliber season when he first arrived, and with Zach and some other pieces showed potential. Zach kinda going through the motions with a 34-year old DeRozan ain’t gonna get you a lot of wins. Vucevic can’t guard. Patrick Williams is just bad at this point.
Didn’t you say that about Wiggins too.
DeM has plenty left …… Mamba Mentality
Raps would trade OG to kings not heat. Y’all hate Toronto but want their players??? Heat should pursue Derozen or Brogdan.
LaVines on the worst contract in the sport and declining rapidly. Idk why I’ve seen so many people talking about the benefits of trading for LaVine rather than the negatives. Bulls will be lucky to get something slightly better than what the Wiz got for Beal. Thats how bad that contract is
No surprise. LaVine can’t help a contender, or any other team prioritizing winning. He doesn’t understand, or at least doesn’t respect, basketball as a team game.
I’d like to see what CHI looks like without him. There’s nascent signs of a physical defensive team that can’t be accomodated alongside LaVine’s aloof iso-game.