Duncan Robinson has been a feel-good story around the NBA since coming into the league. After starting his college ball at the Division III level, Robinson transferred to Michigan for his final three seasons. He was only the second men's basketball player in history to transfer from a DIII program to a D1 program and receive a full scholarship. The sharpshooter established himself as a legitimate long-range threat and opened the door for an NBA opportunity.
The 6'8 forward went undrafted in 2018 but was given a chance on the Heat's summer league team. Robinson proved himself and eventually ended up carving out a role for himself on the full-time roster. It seemed the Heat had found a diamond in the rough and a part of their long-term rotational plan. Miami even gave Robinson a five-year deal worth up to $90 million this past offseason.
Despite the hefty contract and impressive shooting, Duncan Robinson has fallen out of good graces with Erik Spoelstra. After averaging 25.9 minutes per game in the regular season, Robinson's minutes were cut to just 12.2 per game in the playoffs. He also was held out of four postseason games entirely. With his subpar defense likely the reason for the minutes decline, it may be time for the Heat to consider a trade. Here are three potential trades as the Heat search to take the final steps to a championship-caliber team.
Duncan Robinson Trade Destinations
Raptors Get: Duncan Robinson and a top-15 protected pick
Heat Get: OG Anunoby
There has been growing speculation that OG Anunoby could be on the move this offseason. The Raptors forward is a terrific two-way player who has grown each season in the NBA. The 24-year-old is coming off a career season in which he averaged 17.1 points, 5.5 rebounds, 2.6 assists, and 1.5 steals. He would fit into Heat Culture perfectly and his defensive ability would assure he can play postseason minutes.
As great as the Raptors are with their quality wings, they could use a guy cut from a different mold. Duncan Robinson would add an interesting element with his elite off-ball movement and quality shooting. Toronto has some interesting questions to answer regarding the future of the team, but Duncan Robinson would be an interesting splash in a different direction.
Hawks Get: Duncan Robinson
Heat Get: Delon Wright and Onyeka Okungwu
The Atlanta Hawks certainly seem set for some changes this offseason. The gravity and playmaking that Trae Young commands opens up everything and the Hawks need shooters around him to capitalize. Duncan Robinson is about as elite as they come as a shooter averaging a career 40.6% shooter from beyond the arc on 7.9 attempts per game. The Michigan product's movement off-ball would make things much easier for Trae Young. This move would also need to be paired with an elite perimeter defender which should already be on the Hawks' list of priorities.
Delon Wright is continually underrated in the NBA. The journeyman plays hard-nosed defense and is versatile in who he can defend. Wright proved his value in the postseason with Atlanta and could be a key to allowing Tyler Herro more time on the court. His defensive impact would help cover for Herro and possibly open the starting job he seemingly covets. Onyeka Okungwu would also be a terrific backup for Bam Adebayo. While Dewayne Dedmon has been solid, he is on the downhill portion of his career. Okungwu plays a similar style to Bam and would be a near-perfect plug-and-play replacement.
Mavericks Get: Duncan Robinson and a top-10 protected 1st round pick
Heat Get: Maxi Kleber, Frank Ntilikina, Josh Green
The thought process in building around Luka Doncic should be similar to Trae Young. Both players are impressive passers who demand a ridiculous amount of attention. Duncan Robinson would be able to capitalize on the open looks that Luka creates and serve as an offensive upgrade for the team. The Mavericks have done a nice job surrounding Doncic with shooters already but the desire to improve should never stop.
The Heat would walk away with a nice collection of role players in this trade. Maxi Kleber is a capable floor spacer but holds similar defensive concerns. His size should lead to more time on the court regardless. Frank Ntilikina struggles offensively but carries the defensive impact Miami craves. Even with the deficiencies on offense, he proved valuable to the Mavs in their Conference Finals run. Josh Green would also be a nice building piece for the future. The 21-year-old was regarded fairly highly coming out of college but has failed to crack the rotation on a regular basis. Giving him a change of scenery could be beneficial for the shooting guard. If he finds his stride Green could become a part of the Heat's next generation of players as well.
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