The Miami Heat saw an opportunity to make an impact move at the trade deadline, and Pat Riley seized that opportunity.
Riley traded Justise Winslow, Dion Waiters and James Johnson to the Memphis Grizzlies in exchange for Andre Iguodala, Jae Crowder and Solomon Hill, giving the Heat a pair of versatile wings while also clearing over $51 million in future cap space. Johnson got rerouted to the Minnesota Timberwolves, with Gorgui Dieng going to Memphis.
While the move was just as much about adding financial flexibility as contending this season, the three newcomers should play their separate roles in helping Miami challenge for the Eastern Conference crown.
One scout thinks Iguodala, 36, might not be the kind of asset he was propped up to be at the deadline, per Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald:
“He was a little less last year; he wasn’t as good as he was the prior year,” the scout said. “He’s lost a step. Obviously a smart player and can do a lot of different things. Not a great shooter. Is he a stopper now? No. He’s still a good defender but no longer elite.
“Maybe you play him 20 to 25 minutes a night. You could go offense/defense substitutions with him and Duncan Robinson late in games to some extent, but I don’t know if they’ll sub out Iguodala much late in games.”
Of course, Iguodala was fantastic for the Golden State Warriors during last year's playoffs, and he figures to add a bit more playmaking than Derrick Jones Jr. at the wing spot for Miami.
The same scout noted Crowder adds a veteran presence, but his inefficiency as a perimeter shooter makes his spot in the Heat's rotation more questionable. The scout also suggested Hill has been a “big surprise,” but he might struggle to crack the rotation, especially come playoff time.
Iguodala and Crowder figure to be the most important players in the deal, with each providing the Heat with some pedigree and toughness for the final stretch.
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