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Could the Miami Heat trade Tyler Johnson to jump into the first round of the NBA Draft?

By Malcolm Haynes

Jan 20, 2016; Washington, DC, USA; Miami Heat guard Tyler Johnson (8) drives to the basket as Washington Wizards guard John Wall (2) defends during the first half at Verizon Center. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 20, 2016; Washington, DC, USA; Miami Heat guard Tyler Johnson (8) drives to the basket as Washington Wizards guard John Wall (2) defends during the first half at Verizon Center. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Miami Heat are without a pick in tonight’s NBA Draft, but should they move one of their current assets to acquire one?

Yesterday, the Atlanta Hawks traded point guard Jeff Teague for the No. 12 pick in tonight’s NBA draft. The Hawks also have their own pick, the No. 21 pick. However, according to ESPN’s Marc Stein, the Hawks are looking to trade both of their first round picks.

In exchange for the picks, the Hawks may be looking to add cheap, young talent that can help them now. In particular, the Hawks need to find a replacement ball handler for Teague. Assuming Dennis Schroder is now the starting point guard, a proven, young backup may be more valuable to the Hawks than draft picks.

The Heat, who have no picks this year, have a player that may interest the Hawks in exchange for the No. 21 pick. Tyler Johnson is a combo guard, and right now he is the backup to Goran Dragic. Heat fans know that Johnson brings his unique blend of athleticism and grit every night. Johnson is a 38 percent three-point shooter and a good defender.

What makes Johnson even more intriguing is his low cap hold of only $1.2 million and the ability to go over the salary cap to sign him to a long term contract at a reasonable price. (The cap hold for the 21st pick is $1.2 million, almost exactly matching the hold for Johnson.)

To make this work for the Hawks, Johnson would have to give indications he wants to play in Atlanta for the next few years. Otherwise, trading  a pick for a player who could walk after one season is a bit risky. But if the Hawks are looking for a young player to make an immediate impact, Johnson could very well be better than anyone they could draft at 21.

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This makes sense for Miami if they believe Briante Weber, who is a true point guard and promising perimeter defender, can step into Johnson’s vacated minutes. Or if they see a return of Beno Udrih in the near future.

With the 21st pick, the Heat could address one of their needs. They could draft a stretch-4 such as Henry Ellison or a wing player such Taurean Prince as insurance in case Chris Bosh cannot play a prolonged career.

While it is hard to part with Tyler Johnson, the Heat should consider making a move if they can get back into the first round. It’s a risky move on both ends, but one that could pay dividends.

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