Miami Heat fake trade: A proposition for the Philadelphia 76ers

Here at All U Can Heat, we’ll be running a series in which we build and contemplate (fake) trades between the Miami Heat and all 29 other NBA teams. In part eight, we looked at a trade with the Pistons. In part nine, we dial-up the Philadelphia 76ers.

This is a proposal that should create a healthy discussion among the respective fan bases of the Miami Heat and Philadelphia 76ers.

Last season, Justise Winlsow played in just 18 games due to a season-ending shoulder injury. Following a promising rookie campaign, Winslow was expected to take a leap following the departure of a number of veteran players from the Heat roster.

However, things did not turn out as planned. Having returned the modest shooting splits of .422/.276/.684, Winslow regressed noticeably, compiling splits of .356/.200/.617 during his brief time on the floor. Granted, Winslow was slightly by a wrist injury prior to his season ending prematurely. But the drastic drop in shooting returns was clearly a cause for concern for the Heat when he was available.

Over the 18 games, Winslow posted 10.9 points, 5.2 rebounds and 3.7 assists in 34.7 minutes per game. While his shooting numbers were a sticking point, Winslow did impress with his increased ball-handling duties, dishing out five or more assists on seven occasions.

On the other side of the equation is Dario Saric, a 6-foot-10 forward who enjoyed a prosperous first season in the league. Playing mainly at the 4-spot, Saric averaged 12.8 points and 6.3 rebounds in 26.3 minutes per game.

After a rather slow start to the season, Saric flourished as he became more accustomed to the league. Over his last 31 games, Saric averaged 17.7 points, 7.3 rebounds and 3.2 assists in 29.9 minutes per game.

So why does it make sense to swap the pair?

For the Heat, acquiring Saric would enable them to continue to utilise James Johnson as their key reserve, with Johnson capable of playing in a multitude of roles. And while Winslow’s defensive prowess is difficult to replicate, they have a number of other players on their roster capable of filling a similar role. Josh Richardson, Rodney McGruder and even Dion Waiters are all capable of swinging through at the 3-spot to provide a presence at both ends of the floor.

For the Sixers, Winslow forms a key component of head coach Brett Brown’s mantra of “defence, pace and space”. Already an excellent defender and capable ball-handler, Winslow would provide an incredible boost as a Sixth Man in Brown’s system. Furthermore, with Sixers’ forward Robert Covington out contract next summer, Winslow provides the Sixers with additional flexibility should they not come an agreement with Covington on an extension.

But at 6-foot-10 and a year of experience behind him, Saric is only going to get better. Granted, his overall shooting splits of .411/.311/.782 are far from optimal, and would require a decent spike to justify his playing time, the potential is plain to see.

Next: What to expect from Hassan Whiteside in the 2017-18 season

In addition to the existing members of the Heat frontcourt that include Johnson, Hassan Whiteside, and Kelly Olynyk, Saric provides the Heat with an additional versatile big whose best years are still ahead of him.