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

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CHICAGO, IL – JANUARY 25: Zach LaVine #8 of the Chicago Bulls shoots a free throw against the LA Clippers on January 25, 2019 at United Center in Chicago, Illinois. 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2019 NBAE (Photo by Jeff Haynes/NBAE via Getty Images) /

In this trade idea, the Miami Heat send Dion Waiters and Wayne Ellington to the Chicago Bulls, in return for, a borderline All-Star in Zach LaVine.

Former slam dunk winner, LaVine, would get a new home in Miami, as he has been rumored to be on the trade block for Chicago. Why would the Bulls do this? He’s getting paid quite a big number for the next few years, and they are looking to cut that cap as soon as possible, as they have been trying with Jabari Parker too.

However, for Miami, upgrading from Waiters to a 20+ PPG scorer in LaVine makes too much sense, especially if all you have to do is add Ellington to the Bulls roster. Waiters’ becomes the man in the Chicago, most likely getting all of their shots with Markkanen, cementing a tank for the next few seasons, which is probably the goal.

This idea seems fairly linear, even if Miami throws a future draft pick in, I would immediately be interested if I’m Riley by pulling the trigger on this one, as the Heat are in dire need of offensive production, and LaVine doesn’t kill them defensively as much as McCollum, even though LaVine isn’t great on that side of the ball.

Our next deal has to do with a rental contract All-Star who wouldn’t be too happy about being moved.

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