According to Grant Hughes of Bleacher Report, Jonathan Isaac could be a “surprise trade target” for the Miami Heat this offseason.
Hughes notes the crazy defensive upside a lineup of Isaac, Jimmy Butler, and Bam Adebayo would have. Isaac is one of the best defenders in the NBA when healthy.
That last notion is the real question mark in this deal, however. Isaac has been injured for a long time and just can’t seem to find his way back onto the court.
Though this would definitely be a risk for the Heat, “the reward would be far greater,” stated Hughes. At only 23 years old, Isaac has a ton of room to grow and improve as a player.
The other main point made about the potential deal is that Miami’s “legendary conditioning program” could help Isaac stay on the court. If they can help him stay healthy, they would be adding another defensive anchor to their lineup.
In the 2019-20 season, though he only played in 34 games, Isaac averaged 1.6 steals and 2.3 blocks per game. At 6-11, he has the ability to impact shots from everywhere on the floor.
While his defense is by far his best trait, Isaac has slowly improved his offensive abilities as well. In those 34 games, he averaged 11.9 points, 6.8 rebounds, and 1.4 assists while shooting 47% from the field and 34% from deep.
If the Miami Heat can help him become a reliable three-point shooter, he would fit in perfectly at the power forward next to Bam Adebayo. He could help space the floor when needed while also anchoring the defense on the other end.
The big question here is what it would cost to pry him away from the Orlando Magic, who are amidst a rebuild. He’s often regarded as their most promising player, but Hughes thinks his injury history could force the Magic to “consider more reliably upright and available alternatives.”
Hughes brings up two different ideas for trades. One would revolve around Tyler Herro, while the other would be a sign-and-trade with Duncan Robinson.
While Miami Heat fans may be hesitant to do either of those deals, Isaac’s upside might be too good to pass up. It’s all a matter of whether or not they believe they could help him stay healthy.
So with all that in mind, should the Miami Heat pursue Jonathan Isaac this offseason? Or is it too big of a risk due to his injuries?