In the Miami Heat’s last game, against the Indiana Pacers, they lost a game that they had a chance to win. Miami’s bench is questionable right now, but throughout the season, they can get by with not having a lot of depth.
In watching that game and projecting forward, it presented a thought.
Though only one game, itself, and through a few of the new season, that Indiana game brought on the realization that KZ Okpala is taking up a roster spot that could be used for a potential rotation player down the line.
The Buyout Market will be a cheap way for Miami to improve its roster. Miami has one roster spot available, as of right now, but why not have two roster spots available?
Miami fans, myself included, were excited to see Okpala’s development over the summer. That ranged from him playing with the Nigerian Olympic team to Miami’s Summer League.
That’s where the good tidings stop though.
Miami Heat: KZ Okpala Expendable For More Buyout Market Space
There hasn’t been much improvement in Okpala’s game though. He has the height and length to be an impactful player on the defensive end but he’s just not.
On offense, Okpala looks lost and when he puts the ball on the floor, he does the same move all the time. That would be the behind the back dribble.
Miami took a chance on Okpala by trading their 2022, 2025, and 2026 second-round draft picks.
Second-round draft picks don’t usually mean much in the NBA, so it’s not like Miami gave up a lot in the first place.
However, after three years on the team and not much improvement in his game, it’s time for Okpala and the Miami Heat to part ways. Miami is in the mix to win a championship this year.
Miami’s bench is a little thin, as of now. While Victor Oladipo‘s return and date of said return is still a lot of unknown and Udonis Haslem not being in the rotation, Miami needs more bodies.
Miami Heat: It Just Hasn’t Worked For KZ Okpala, But Perhaps It Could Elsewhere
Okpala won’t see playing time for Miami. It’s just better off for both parties for them to trade Okpala at some point this year.
The San Antonio Spurs, Oklahoma City Thunder, Orlando Magic, and the Sacramento Kings come to mind. They are rebuilding teams who can take a flyer on Okpala.
Miami could get a second-round pick back in return. By trading away Okpala’s contract, it would free up a few dollars and not much, but every dollar counts right?
John Wall, Kevin Love, Thaddeus Young, and Marvin Bagley III come to mind for Miami. Now, for this to work, it would obviously mean buyouts would have to take place.
But, if Miami can snag one of these players in the Buyout Market, it will be a success. Getting a player that can come in and impact Miami’s rotation right now would be huge.
Basically, Miami has three roster spots that aren’t being used, so getting a player that can play will help Miami’s depth. Miami has a chance to make a playoff push this year and the more depth the better. For Okpala, it’s nothing personal its only business.