The Miami Heat acted as the Cinderella story of the NBA bubble a season ago. Led by Jimmy Butler, the young core came together and created a magnificent playoff run that resulted in a trip to the NBA Finals. After the Heat loss to the Lakers in six games, there was optimism that Miami was the team to beat in the East for years to come.
However, this season has been a struggle for the Heat. Due to safety protocols and injuries, the team began the season losing 12 of their first 18 games. Team head coach Erik Spoelstra was forced to make many lineup adjustments to keep the team competitive. Since Butler and the rest of the key players returned to the lineup, the Heat have won seven of their last eight games
Despite the team getting back on the right track, they should still look to make moves during the upcoming trade deadline. To return to the NBA Finals, they’ll need to bring more veteran pieces that understand how to win. As great as the young core has been, the question will be are they enough for Miami to move past teams in Brooklyn, Philadelphia, etc. There are a few trade options that could help Jimmy Butler and the Heat win a championship this season.
Trading for Kyle Lowry
The question for Pat Riley is how bad does he want his team to remain a contender? If he wants to keep Butler happy and the team in win mode then he should make an offer for Kyle Lowry. The downside of the trade is that Toronto would certainly want younger pieces in return. It will have to be a risk made to keep Miami on the right track.
At 34 years of age, Lowry is averaging 18 points per game along with seven assists. His championship experience is just what Miami needs going forward. Lowry shows versatility as a starting point guard with his scoring and distributing with the ball. The trade would allow Lowry to become a great compliment to Jimmy Butler and Bam Adebayo.
Heat Sign Blake Griffin
After Griffin and the Pistons agreed on a buyout, he's looking to provide energy and versatility on a contending team. The Miami Heat should certainly welcome him with open arms and pair him with Bam Adebayo in the frontcourt.
Although Griffin has not had a great season thus far, things can change with a possible signing to Miami. Adding Griffin brings another terrific ball-handler who can play pick-and-roll and crash the glass. Having two terrific big men on the frontcourt would give Miami an edge when going against tougher opponents.
Trading for Victor Oladipo
As the Houston Rockets are suffering through a 13 game losing streak, Victor Oladipo’s body language shows that he is ready for another move. The Miami Heat have shown interest in Oladipo for some time and should at least pitch an offer.
Oladipo is the perfect fit for the Heat. When he is utilized in the perfect position, he brings energy on both ends of the floor and can often lead the team in scoring. In 15 games played in a Rockets uniform, Oladipo is averaging 20 points per game on 38% shooting. His shooting numbers are not great to be exact, but that could possibly change as he pairs alongside Jimmy Butler in Miami.
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