What to expect from the Miami Heat come trade deadline

Although the NBA trade deadline is still 10 days away, Miami Heat fans have been speculating what the organization will do, for months now.

And be sure, the media has been doing the same.

Between endless circles of conversations regarding rumored reports and burning a hole through ESPN’s Trade Machine, everyone has been trying to figure out Miami’s next move. But as we get closer to February 18, the answer may be nothing at all.

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For starters, as unfortunately with most things in life, monetary circumstance plays a huge role in NBA trades. The Heat may have gotten two more championships out of the Big Three, but they also paid a price: literally. Bringing aboard two more superstars cost Miami a pretty penny, leaving them above the luxury tax. There are certainly ways to once again get below it, say dumping a salary or two, but adding another top dog and his salary is not one of them.

True, the organization could (and some may argue should) get rid of the likes of Chris Andersen. At 37, Birdman is making $5 million (without tax costs) and has only played in seven games this season. But obviously, they would be getting what they give. In other words, whoever they could trade Birdman for, will not have any immediate effect on the team’s future success. Such a move would merely put the Heat in a better position, financially.

Think about it this way. It can be said for almost certain that Miami will not part ways with key guys such as Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh. They will probably want to keep rookie Justise Winslow around, too. Goran Dragic has signed a long-term deal (and has been playing much better lately). And honestly, is #HeatLifer Udonis Haslem going anywhere? I think not.

So who could the Heat use as a bargaining chip, to actually make an impact moving forward? And not break the bank, of course.

Really, Hassan Whiteside is the only name that comes to mind.