The Miami Heat have a very clear window to win a championship based on the way their roster is built. When Pat Riley signed Kyle Lowry, a 35-year-old point guard, to a three-year deal, it became very clear that the team wants to win right now.
Jimmy Butler isn’t getting any younger, so the team wants to try to win with him at the helm. While Bam Adebayo and Tyler Herro might be young, there’s no reason not to go for it all right now.
While their current roster is great, every team is constantly looking to improve. The Miami Heat are no different in that regard.
Trades are one of the more traditional routes to improvement, but the Heat don’t have many assets to trade themselves. If they are unwilling to move Herro, they might be out of luck.
This leaves one option left – the buyout market. What players that could be bought out this season should the Miami Heat keep their eye on?
Players the Miami Heat should monitor on the buyout market: Al-Farouq Aminu
Al-Farouq Aminu was just dealt to the San Antonio Spurs in a sign-and-trade. He was a part of the deal that sent DeMar DeRozan to the Chicago Bulls.
The forward has seemingly gotten a bad rep in recent years. He has struggled in small stints with teams, but the last time he was able to play a full season, he actually played super well
The last time Aminu played more than 23 games in a season was back in 2018-19. That year, he averaged 9.4 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 1.3 assists for the Portland Trailblazers, while shooting 43.3% from the field and 34.3% from three-point range.
That year was also the last time Aminu played for a really good team. Maybe a change of scenery would do him some good.
Obviously, there are some injury concerns, considering he hasn’t played a full season in a while. That being said, his versatile defense alone easily warrants a minimum contract to be a depth piece for the Miami Heat.
Players the Miami Heat should monitor on the buyout market: Rajon Rondo
Rajon Rondo was just traded from the Los Angeles Clippers to the Memphis Grizzlies for Eric Bledsoe. If the Grizzlies don’t see him as a part of their long-term plans, they might choose to simply buy out his contract.
Memphis has been oddly active in the trade market this offseason. They have taken on some salary while receiving draft capital and other assets in exchange.
There is a slight chance the Grizzlies decide to keep him around, as he could provide some quality backup point guard minutes. However, if they want to open up minutes for some of their younger players, they could just buy him out.
If that ends up happening, the Miami Heat should definitely take interest. The style of basketball he plays would fit in perfectly with the culture in Miami.
The point guard is a super smart playmaker who also plays solid defense. His overall knowledge of the game would definitely rub off on some of Miami’s young players.
On top of that, Rondo is also improving as a three-point shooter. He’s not great by any means, but he can knock down a three if he needs to.
He would be a great veteran presence coming off the bench for the Heat, as their guard rotation is mainly younger players, outside of Kyle Lowry. All those factors combined make him an ideal player to target if he hits the buyout marker.
Players the Miami Heat should monitor on the buyout market: Kevin Love
Kevin Love has been rumored to be working on a buyout with the Cleveland Cavaliers. Up until this point, however, he has remained with the Cavs.
Throughout the past couple of seasons, there have been multiple incidents where Love’s frustration with the organization shined through. He has thrown a couple of tantrums on the court that made the whole situation seem ugly.
Just this offseason, however, there were rumors that the two parties were going to be working on a buyout. One of the teams listed as potentially interested was the Miami Heat.
Love would be a great fit off the bench for Miami. PJ Tucker will likely be the starting power forward for the Heat, but Love would provide quality backup minutes at the position.
The biggest thing he brings to the table is the ability to space the floor. The Miami Heat should constantly be looking to add shooting, and he certainly brings that to the table.
It has been a while since Love has been able to play for a winning organization. If put in the right situation again, he could still prove to be a very effective player.
Adding Love to the roster would bring in another veteran who has championship experience. As long as he is willing to sign the minimum, the Miami Heat should definitely try to get him.