The reigning Eastern Conference champion Miami Heat are one of the teams that are rumored to be active in the trade and buyout market. It was reported on Sunday that the Heat are pursuing a deal to acquire Toronto Raptors point guard Kyle Lowry harder than anyone in the market. The Heat are also one of, if not the biggest suitors, for San Antonio Spurs LaMarcus Aldridge, who could be bought out this season.
One asset the Heat have to give up in pursuit of these two players is power forward Kelly Olynk, who has played significant minutes for the team this season. According to Ira Winderman, Miami Heat writer for South Florida Sun-Sentinel, Olynk is possibly included in trade offers to acquire Lowry but that would mean the Heat have to acquire Aldridge to take Olynk’s position.
Heat in an interesting timing spot. Kelly Olynyk could be included in a Raptors deal for Lowry, but that would have to come with some confidence of landing Aldridge on buyout market. It's not as if an Aldridge buyout has a timing element.
— Ira Winderman (@IraHeatBeat) March 21, 2021
The trade deadline and buyout market season will be interesting for the Heat. Since February 18, the Heat have finally found their momentum after winning 11 out of their last 16 games. They currently have the third-best defensive rating in the league but are ranked 22nd on offense. Adding Aldridge and Lowry could boost their offense as the former can score in the frontcourt while the latter can spearhead the team’s pick-and-roll offense. Lowry is also a shooter who can do damage off the ball, which the Heat could really use right now.
Moreover, as O’Connor points out, Lowry and Bam Adebayo would be a perfect pairing in pick-and-rolls and handoff actions. Adding these two assets could also lessen the workload of superstars Jimmy Butler and Bam Adebayo.
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