Miami Heat: 5 trades for Anthony Davis and other Pelicans’ players

Trade no. 3

In this trade idea, the Miami Heat would send Josh Richardson, Tyler Johnson, and an unprotected 2023 first round pick to the New Orleans Pelicans in return for Jrue Holiday.

Much like our previous slide, grabbing Holiday would be such a fun move for the Heat, but unfortunately, in this deal, you would have to have faith that Holiday is the ceiling for Richardson by swapping the two if you are Pat Riley.

Hmm, let us further analyze that question, is Holiday the ceiling for Richardson?

Since the Jimmy Butler trade to the Sixers, J-Rich has dropped his ceiling to most fans that thought he would become the next Butler, however, I am in the minority now in thinking that Richardson makes more sense to keep moving forward even if his ceiling is Holiday.

I feel this way for two reasons, for one, Richardson is close to his ceiling already as a 25-year-old. And for two, J-Rich is only getting paid close to $10 million, while Holiday will be making $25 million for the next three seasons. Because the talent differentiation is not excessive and the money is a huge difference, I would not pull the trigger if I am Pat Riley, however, many fans would argue that getting Holiday makes more sense because he is immediately a better player than J-Rich.

I personally do not want to see the number of players wanting the ball in the 4th quarter come postseason in Dragic, Winslow, Wade, Waiters, and now, Holiday.

No, thank you.

However, if New Orleans is willing to take on the $19 million next season for Tyler Johnson, that would not be the worst idea to toy with, I would still fall out of this deal because I am personally too high on Richardson’s talents and his contract.

Our last move for Jrue Holiday also adds a guy who was a pretty good fighter in Chicago for the Bulls, sort of.