While the Miami Heat stayed out of most trade rumors this summer, that doesn’t mean that there weren’t any. There were, and still are, a ton of trade rumors being tossed around.
The Tyler Herro rumors were always there, but they were never amplified to the point where him being traded was a sure thing. That is not the case for some other situations around the league.
Some players are very clearly sick of the current situation they are in, and some teams are looking to move on from certain players. Regardless, this could be a very busy season in terms of trades.
Of the biggest trade rumors around, which should the Miami Heat pass, and which should they pursue? Which commonly discussed trade candidates should they consider making an offer for?
Miami Heat pass or pursue on common NBA trade rumors: Ben Simmons
Ben Simmons is one of the players who are most likely to be traded by the deadline this year. It is becoming more and more clear that his time in Philadelphia is coming to an end.
Recently, it has been reported that Simmons isn’t even answering Joel Embiid’s phone calls anymore. However, regardless of his availability, the Miami Heat should not make this move.
Miami is one of the best defensive teams in the league, and adding Simmons would elevate their play on that end even more. However, he would only further their offensive struggles, which is the last thing they need this season.
On top of that, the Heat would have to give up Kyle Lowry in order to acquire Simmons. While his age may be appealing, Lowry is by far the better fit with Miami this year, and every year.
Conclusion: Pass
Miami Heat pass or pursue on common NBA trade rumors: Collin Sexton
The Collin Sexton trade rumors have been super weird to hear about. It’s unclear what direction the Cavaliers want to go in, but right now, it seems like Sexton might not be a part of it.
At the start of the offseason, reports came out that the Cavaliers wanted to move Sexton. One of the primary reasons for this was because of “the way Sexton dominates the ball.”
Apparently, some teammates were getting frustrated by this. However, this narrative is absolutely ridiculous when looking at passing numbers.
Sexton finished second on the team in total passes made, second in total assists, and second in assist points created. On top of all of that, the Cavaliers finished the season with the sixth-most passes made of any team.
In addition, Sexton finished fourth on the team in three-point percentage and fifth in field goal percentage… as a guard. Those efficiency numbers are ridiculous.
However, the Cavs still seem interested in trading him away. If that is the case, he would be the perfect fit on the Miami Heat.
As of now, the Heat don’t have a go-to scoring option on the team, and Sexton could be that for them. He could run shooting guard and be their go-to bucket getter.
His mentality would fit in super well in Miami, and he fully embodies Heat Culture. If the opportunity arises, the Miami Heat should absolutely make a trade for Collin Sexton.
Conclusion: Pursue
Miami Heat pass or pursue on common NBA trade rumors:31 Damian Lillard
Damian Lillard has told the world that he wants to stay in Portland… for now. However, there was a brief moment in time this summer where he was seriously considering requesting a trade.
The Trailblazers are trying to do everything possible to put a great team around him. Despite this, their roster still doesn’t seem good enough to compete for a championship.
If that is truly what Lillard truly cares about the most, he might want to reconsider moving teams. If he requests a trade, the Heat should definitely take interest.
Adding Lillard to their team would instantly make them serious Finals contenders. He would elevate their ceiling to a whole other level.
The biggest issue with most of Lillard’s teams in Portland has been a lack of defense. Well, he certainly would not run into that issue in Miami.
Lillard would be able to focus all of his energy on offense, while the defense was still playing at an elite level. He would have more shooters than ever to work with and an All-Star-caliber center, too.
Though they don’t have many assets, the Miami Heat should definitely make an offer if Lillard becomes available at any point in time. That is a no-brainer.
Conclusion: Pursue