Miami Heat: Which players are the most valuable trade pieces?

Splitting up the rooks

As one of Miami’s three draft picks in the last four years, Josh Richardson has become one of the Heat’s most integral players.

He represents everything a team should want in a 20-something, not-yet-All-Star: he’s never satisfied with his growth, he’ll play out of position if it means the team will be better, and he’ll even give up video games at a time when the medium is seemingly at an all-time high.

If there were a player to blacklist from Heat trade scenarios, it’s Richardson. He simultaneously is the team’s best defender, while still having tremendous room for growth.

Sadly, that’s all the more reason to move him in the short term.

In 2017, Richardson accepted a four-year, $42 million contract extension.

At the time, it was a future investment, knowing what the former “Rook 2” could become within that window. Last year he proved to be on pace to make his extension a true bargain, making a splash on defense, often as a snub on All-Defense lists, while steadily upping his offensive output as well.

That same bargain-like quality however, will have team’s lining up around the corner for a chance at Richardson, especially if he blossoms as many expect he will.

A natural shooting guard, Richardson could easily be worth a disgruntled but proven star, in a larger trade package. If Jimmy Butler were open to joining Miami, Minnesota Timberwolves coach Tom Thibodeau could likely be sweet talked into taking Richardson in a move that directly addresses his team’s failing defense.

Or maybe Tobias Harris could be swindled away from the Los Angeles Clippers – though, Boban Marjanovic would definitely be part of the package – to provide the Heat some cap flexibility, after Harris’ deal expires next summer.

From this point forward, it won’t get any easier to relinquish Richardson. He, like Olynyk and the rest of the Heat gang, have endeared themselves to Miami’s fan base such that any trade scenario seems like a mortal wound against the whole of Miami-Dade County.

So, steel your resolve, Heat Nation.

Miami, though not proven as of September 2018, has a good thing going. Another year of Heat Basketball will inch the team closer to its goal of regaining greatness.

All in due time.