Walk me through your ideal trade scenario…
Leniart: Hassan Whiteside for Kevin Durant straight up. Who says no? At this point, the ideal trade scenario for the Heat most likely includes sending Whiteside or Tyler Johnson somewhere else to free up some cap space. They would need to pair those contracts with a more attractive contract or a future draft pick. As far as players on other teams to target in a trade, Jimmy Butler would be on my list. The Minnesota Timberwolves will probably listen to any offers they receive for Butler leading up to the trade deadline. Butler’s skill-set may be a bit repetitive on the Heat’s current roster, but he is a defensive-minded veteran that brings some more name recognition to the team in South Beach. He is also close friends with Wade. If Wade does decide to come back to the Heat, I’m sure his friend would love the idea of playing with him, during what would likely be Wade’s final season.
Eyrich: The ideal trade scenario would revolve around Whiteside. Obviously, I would love to get what he’s worth through his contract. I love the idea of Bam Adebayo being the future, so I’d rather see the Heat go after another point guard to either back up Goran Dragic or prepare to replace him as he gets older.
Shofner: Getting rid of Whiteside would a great way to cap off this offseason. Despite reports that things are good between the Heat and his camp, I just don’t see things getting mended to the point to get every party back on track. As I wrote this an article this week, sending him to the Cleveland Cavaliers in exchange for Tristan Thompson and Kyle Korver would be a more ideal deal that would benefit both teams.
Rahming: In a rare occurrence, I was able to use the ESPN trade machine and saw that beautiful “This Trade is Successful” message on the first try. My trade would be for disgruntled Butler while giving away Tyler Johnson. Earlier this offseason, it was reported that Butler declined a four-year, $100 million contract extension. I’m aware there is some business savvy taking place within Butler’s camp, but if he indeed does intend to leave the Timberwolves next summer via a player option, the Heat would end up with a year rental of an All-Star caliber player, while letting go of the unknown talent of Johnson. If the Heat are able to convince him to stay next summer for an additional year, his contract would align flawlessly with James Johnson, Dragic, and Dion Waiters. Those players will become free agents in the summer of 2020 and set the table for president Pat Riley to re-up/re-tool or press the eject button on that squad, and let the younger players take the reins.