With the moves they made this offseason, the Miami Heat should be title contenders. Kyle Lowry, Jimmy Butler, and Bam Adebayo will be one of the best big threes in the NBA.
Pat Riley added star power, depth, and brought back key pieces from last year’s team. Their current roster is good enough to win the East.
That being said, teams are constantly looking to improve. The best time to do that during the season is at the trade deadline.
Though it is still a while away, it’s never too early to look at potential trade deadline targets. Who could be available and who could the Miami Heat target at the trade deadline this season?
Miami Heat trade deadline targets: Kelly Olynyk
The Detroit Pistons just signed Kelly Olynyk to a multi-year deal. However, they still don’t have the necessary pieces to compete in the Eastern Conference.
Cade Cunningham will be a great player, but he’s probably not ready to lead his team to the playoffs in year one. Due to that, the Pistons could be sellers at the deadline.
A veteran like Olynyk could find himself on the trade block, and the Heat could use some more floor spacing. Olynyk was always solid during his time in Miami, so why not bring him back?
He would be able to space the floor for Bam Adebayo and also play some backup minutes off the bench. Bringing back a familiar face would be super fun, and Olynyk also fits a potential need the Heat could have this season.
Miami Heat trade deadline targets: Robert Covington
Depending on how the Trailblazers’ season plays out, they could be sellers at the deadline. If they are underperforming, Damian Lillard might want out, which means they could hold a fire sale similar to as the Magic did last year.
Unfortunately, Lillard is way too expensive for the Miami Heat to target, and the same can be said for CJ McCollum. However, some of their complementary pieces are definitely attainable.
Robert Covington would be the perfect player to add to Miami’s rotation. He fits in super well with the type of team the Miami Heat are trying to build.
He’s a gritty defender who can guard positions three through five. He played some center in Houston and would be a super versatile player to have off the bench in Miami.
The 30-year-old wing is also a solid three-point shooter. He shot 37.9% from deep last year in Portland and would be a great floor spacer for the Heat.
Miami doesn’t have a ton of wing depth on the roster. Past Jimmy Butler and Duncan Robinson, all they have are the likes of KZ Okpala and Max Strus.
Having a veteran like Covington available to help out would be great. On top of that, if Portland decides to hit the reset button, he wouldn’t be too expensive to trade for.
Miami Heat trade deadline targets: Dennis Schroder
The Boston Celtics just signed Dennis Schroder to a one-year deal for $5.9 million. He’ll join a solid core of Jayson Tatum, Jaylen Brown, and Marcus Smart.
That being said, would make a ton of sense for the C’s to trade him at the deadline. He doesn’t fit into their long-term plans, and it would cost far too much for them to re-sign him next summer, anyways.
Based on the moves Brad Stevens has made, the Celtics are going to go after Bradley Beal next offseason. That means they want to keep the books as clear as possible.
They could look to trade Schroder for a pick or two simply to get assets back in return for an expiring deal. Schroder would fit in super well in Miami.
Schroder would be a great backup point guard for Kyle Lowry. Honestly, he might even be an upgrade from Kendrick Nunn.
He struggled in the playoffs last year, but overall, he has been very productive for the past two seasons. He’s a solid shooter and has great playmaking abilities, too.
Having that extra punch off the bench would be huge for the Heat, and it could even help put them over the top in the East. Schroder’s just a great veteran player to have around.