Trade no. 5
In this massive trade idea, the Miami Heat would send Hassan Whiteside, Josh Richardson, Bam Adebayo, and two unprotected future first round picks in return for Anthony Davis and filler players.
Now, before you go to the comment section on why the Heat are giving up too much, it is quite possible that New Orleans would say no to a deal that included Richardson, Winslow, Adebayo, and three unprotected firsts, which would be a blockbuster package that I am unwilling to offer, even on this slide.
This trade idea is based around the mentality that Dell Demps, GM of New Orleans, would be intrigued by starting over with a lineup comprised of youth in Holiday, Richardson, Mirotic, Adebayo, and Randle/Okafor.
In fact, if Pat Riley gets the sense that Demps is indeed interested in making a move for Miami’s youth, I would even add another first. However, I would not trade all three kids (Winslow, Richardson, Adebayo) for Davis, as his rental contract over the next season might not be good enough to help the Heat long-term, as I would expect him to sign elsewhere.
Again, this all depends on how much the Pelicans’ front office loves some of the youth around the league in Brandon Ingram, Jayson Tatum, Ben Simmons, and the duo of Richardson and Adebayo could be up there with those individuals.
In conclusion, I would fight for Holiday and Mirotic from New Orleans, as I do not believe that Demps will foam at the mouth at this Davis deal. Moreover, I would make a move for Holiday for two firsts in a package that gets to keep Dragic and the three kids, if that is what it took, as that kind of move could get Miami homecourt advantage in the upcoming playoffs, as Riley is looking to win now.