Rumor: Pat Riley and the Heat trying to package Wayne Ellington and Josh McRoberts in deal

The Miami Heat are trying to package a couple of veteran players. Their goal being to save some money and open up a roster spot.

Late on the eve of the NBA Trade Deadline, a tidbit pertaining to the Miami Heat hit the airwaves. Miami, lacking the assets to make a big splash, were thought to be in store for a relatively quiet deadline. Perhaps that is less true than most believed.

Chris Mannix of the Vertical tweeted that Pat Riley and the Heat were shopping a Wayne Ellington and Josh McRoberts package late Thursday night.

Ellington was vitally important during Miami’s run of 14 wins in 16 games, averaging 11.1 points, 2.5 rebounds and 2.5 three-pointers, while shooting 40 percent from three.

However, with Josh Richardson’s return from injury set for Friday, he became just a bit more expendable. The thinking probably is to send Ellington to a playoff contender in need of shooting and veteran experience, perhaps in exchange for a low level asset (like a protected second-round pick.)

Riley is being a little hopeful in attaching McRoberts to the deal, though. Playoff teams may covet a vet like Ellington who can help them space the floor, and has an expiring contract. Even so, no one wants an always-injured McRoberts. Especially considering he’s got another year left on his deal after this one.

But who knows, maybe someone will bite. Keep an eye on the New Orleans Pelicans, who lack three-point shooters. Interestingly, they also happen to have a power forward sitting on the trading block in Terrence Jones.

An Ellington-for-Jones swap would make some sense, but doesn’t work fiscally. Adding McRoberts’ contract to the equation only makes the task that much more difficult.

But where there’s a will, there’s a way! And if Riley can somehow get out of the McRoberts deal, he deserves Executive of the Year.

The NBA Trade Deadline is Thursday at 3 pm ET. Stay tuned.