Miami Heat: 10 moves for high-caliber players by the NBA trade deadline

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LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – JANUARY 21: Klay Thompson #11 of the Golden State Warriors celebrates his three pointer during a 130-111 win over the Los Angeles Lakers at Staples Center on January 21, 2019 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images) /

In this trade idea, the Miami Heat send Josh Richardson, Wayne Ellington, and Rodney McGruder to the Golden State Warriors, in return for, All-Star Klay Thompson.

I didn’t add in the 2019 unprotected 1st here, as I stated I wouldn’t in the first slide, but it is fairly possible the Heat could get away with this deal if the Warriors notice that Thompson won’t re-sign with the Warriors, which has recently gotten in the media as an actual possibility.

First off, the Warriors immediately get deeper with Ellington and McGruder getting minutes off the bench, but Richardson is a watered down version of Thompson’s production. However, Richardson’s contract saves Golden State for the foreseeable future and allows Curry, Durant, and Cousins to open up the offense more and not force feed Thompson for his stats.

Richardson could play the role of Thompson with a cheap contract at a nice level, especially with his potential as a 25-year-old.

As for the Heat, c’mon, they immediately fall in love with this deal. Playing Thompson next to Winslow and Dragic is a dream come true, so you pull the trigger if Thompson hits the trade block.

Next. 4-team trade idea that includes Blake Griffin and John Wall. dark

In conclusion, the Heat could end up just moving Ellington and McGruder for a few 2nds and a role player that won’t see the court, but I have a feeling, we could be surprised come Feb. 7th.

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