The Miami Heat could be players in the trade market this offseason. They will likely use the majority of their cap space to re-sign Duncan Robinson, meaning the best way to add talent will be via trade.
While adding a point guard or power forward may seem like the obvious idea, the team’s biggest need is scoring. They ranked 25th in points per game last season.
Defensively, the Heat have consistently been one of the best teams every season. Offensively, however, the team has struggled.
In their first-round series vs the Bucks this past season, in which they were eventually swept, Goran Dragic led the team in scoring. Considering Dragic is 35 years old and on the back end of his career, that’s probably not a great sign for Miami.
Adding a player who can create his own shots and contribute to the scoring column should be a top priority. Luckily for the Miami Heat, the answer to this problem might not be too far away.
In his latest article for Bleacher Report, Zach Buckley proposes a trade that would send Terrence Ross to the Miami Heat. Ross, whose nickname is “The Human Torch,” would be the perfect addition to the Heat’s rotation.
The exchange also sees Mo Bamba traded to the Heat. The full deal proposed by Bleacher Report is outlined below:
Giving up Andre Iguodala is a no-brainer. His $15 million team option is way more than the Miami Heat would be willing to pay him, but it would help match Ross’ salary.
Losing Precious Achiuwa and KZ Okpala might not sit well with some Miami Heat fans, but it would allow the team to bring in a great sixth man.
Buckley goes on to explain why Ross would fit in so well with the Miami Heat. He notes Ross’ scoring and proceeds to talk about how Mo Bamba could help the Heat as well.
"They need someone who can perk up this offense, and Terrence Ross might be the answer. He’s streaky, but when he’s on, he is electric. He played 46 games this season and finished 15 of them with 20-plus points. Getting his scoring punch and Mo Bamba’s unique blend of length, shot-blocking, and flashes of floor-spacing could help the 2020 finalists get back on track."
Ross averaged 15.6 points, 3.4 rebounds, and 2.3 assists last season in Orlando. He shot 41.2% from the field and 33.7% from deep.
Despite the down year shooting the ball, Ross has shown the ability to score efficiently from three-point range. In the two seasons prior to last year, he shot 38.3% and 35.1% from deep on around seven attempts per game.
Mo Bamba would act as the backup center in Miami next year, a role which they need to fill. Though he never panned out in Orlando, a new situation could help him reach his full potential.
The 23-year-old center can stretch the floor a bit and would provide some floor spacing for the second unit. He would be a solid piece to take a chance on.
Buckley also explains Orlando’s perspective. They would add young pieces to help with their rebuild, while also getting off of Ross’ contract.
"The Magic, meanwhile, are seemingly just waiting out the right return for Ross to complete the liquidation portion of their rebuild. While they aren’t getting draft picks here, they would walk away with last year’s 20th overall pick in Precious Achiuwa and 2019’s 32nd pick in KZ Okpala. Both are potential keepers, and the trade market might offer a chance to convert Andre Iguodala into another long-term keeper or two."
This would be the perfect trade for Pat Riley to pursue. Ross fits the teams’ needs and the Heat wouldn’t have to give up too much in return.
The deal sees the Magic add young talent, while the Miami Heat improve their ability to score the ball. A potential win-win trade for two divisional rivals.