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Let’s theorize about the Miami Heat’s 2021 plans if they trade for Jrue Holiday

By Duncan Smith

MIAMI, FLORIDA - NOVEMBER 16: Kendrick Nunn #25 of the Miami Heat drives to the basket against Jrue Holiday #11 of the New Orleans Pelicans during the second half at American Airlines Arena on November 16, 2019 in Miami, Florida. 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 Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
MIAMI, FLORIDA - NOVEMBER 16: Kendrick Nunn #25 of the Miami Heat drives to the basket against Jrue Holiday #11 of the New Orleans Pelicans during the second half at American Airlines Arena on November 16, 2019 in Miami, Florida. 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 Michael Reaves/Getty Images) /
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According to a report from the Miami Herald’s Barry Jackson, the Miami Heat don’t view cap space as a problem in their 2021 plans if they trade for Jrue Holiday.

As we look to the future plans of the Miami Heat, there remains a concern. If they want to be able to sign Giannis Antetokounmpo in the summer of 2021, they will either need the cap space to sign him or the ability to get that cap space.

At a glance, it seems like any trade they make for another star or high-level player must be made with 2021 cap space in the front of the mind, but there may be another way.

Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald reports the following:

"“The Heat believes that even if it doesn’t have cap space, it usually can acquire any player who wants to be here,” he wrote. “(Exhibit A: Jimmy Butler, who was snagged despite Miami being well over the cap.)”"

The Miami Heat have the inherent edge that comes from being a true destination location for NBA players. If Team X and the Heat offer the same player the same contract, with all other things being equal the Heat would likely win that tie and get that player’s services.

As a result, for the Heat, where there’s a will there’s a way. If a player wants to come to Miami and the Heat reciprocate that interest, it can be done.

Jackson continues:

"“If, hypothetically, Miami acquired New Orleans Pelicans guard Jrue Holiday — who has been linked to the Heat — and if the Heat learned in the summer of 2021 than Antetokounmpo wanted to come to Miami, the Heat could trade the final year of Holiday’s contract (if he exercises a $26.3 million player option for 2021-22) to a team with cap space for a player earning substantially less and a draft pick or merely a draft pick.”"

There will be a plethora of teams with cap space in 2021, so being one of the teams with space isn’t necessary as long as you’re willing to give something up to get it.

Jackson floats the idea of trading Jrue Holiday to clear space for Antetokounmpo if he opts into his 2021 salary, but there may end up being a route that makes more sense.

With a frontcourt that will already contain both Jimmy Butler and Bam Adebayo, things might get a bit crowded in the paint. Butler is willing to shoot 3s and space the floor, but he’s trending toward not being especially effective in doing so. Adebayo has the potential to be able to stretch the floor but hasn’t taken significant steps towards that end, although he’s been fantastic everywhere else.

It may make more sense to trade Butler than Jrue Holiday if the Heat end up having the chance to sign Antetokounmpo.

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Butler will be 32 in the summer of 2021 and his $36 million salary for that season is $10 million more than Holiday. Considering his growing age and the added utility that would come from moving his salary, this might end up being the best move for the Miami Heat in about 18 months.

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