Let’s Talk: Buyouts and Trades

With many moves being made around the NBA, the Miami Heat look to acquire some help.  Mike Miller has been reported by multiple media outlets to be on the trading block.  It does not make much sense to trade Miller unless you can acquire a quality starter at point guard.  They will not be able to get Raymond Felton, and Andre Miller is not worth trading Mike Miller for, his shooting is too valuable and he is better than Andre at this point in their careers.

The only real move I see the Heat making is signing a player after he is bought out from his contract.  Among the players that will be available to the Heat will most likely include Troy Murphy, Samuel Dalembert and T.J. Ford.  Murphy is intriguing because of his ability to shoot the three-pointer at his height of 6’11”.  He is a career 39% shooter from beyond the arc.  In addition Murphy is a good rebounder and he spaces the floor well on offense.  His shooting would draw bigger defenders out of the painted area , freeing up space for James and Wade to drive to the hoop.  This possible acquisition would also give the Heat more options with their lineup to make match-ups tougher come postseason.

Dalembert would be a solid addition to this roster as he fills a need at center.  He averages 8 points and 8 rebounds for his career, which is not terribly impressive, but numbers the Heat could use from the 5.  Of course the Heat would have to release Jamaal Magloire in order to make room for Dalembert or any player for that matter.  At this point of his career, as much as he is respected by the players and organization, Magloire is not worth keeping if Dalembert or Murphy becomes available.  Perhaps Dalembert can be the center that finally gives the Heat a prescence in the paint.  At the very least, he adds size and depth against Boston and Chicago in the playoffs.

As for T.J. Ford, he is almost a lock to get bought out by the Indiana Pacers and the Heat are in need of a point guard.  Ford is not very big, listed at 6 ft 165 lbs, he would have no chance defending Derrick Rose or Rajon Rondo.  The former Texas standout would not be a great addition to this roster because of his inability to defend.  Ford is not a great shooter either, which is a necessity for the point guard on this roster considering all the open looks it gets.

Ultimately, considering the options,  it makes the most sense to get Troy Murphy.  There are no guarantees that Udonis Haslem is going to be healthy by seasons end, and Murphy’s game would work with this roster.  Miami can certainly use his rebounding and shooting.  Even if Haslem does make it back healthy, it only adds more depth at the power rotation for a team that most consider to be weak inside.

It might come down to another battle with the Boston Celtics, as they are looking for a piece to add as well.  Murphy apparently wants playing time, and if thats the case then Miami would be his better option.  On a side note, if Boston can acquire Shane Battier via trade from the Houston Rockets, they become even more dangerous and even tougher to beat in a 7 game series.  That trade would give them another quality defender.  He could really make things difficult on both Wade and James.  Heat fans, hope this trade doesn’t happen.