3 Players the Heat could trade for with Damian Lillard off the table

May 11, 2023; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia 76ers guard James Harden (1) shoots against the Boston Celtics during the first quarter in game six of the 2023 NBA playoffs at Wells Fargo Center. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
May 11, 2023; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia 76ers guard James Harden (1) shoots against the Boston Celtics during the first quarter in game six of the 2023 NBA playoffs at Wells Fargo Center. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
2 of 3
Mar 5, 2023; Brooklyn, New York, USA; Brooklyn Nets forward Cameron Johnson (2) brings the ball up court against the Charlotte Hornets during the third quarter at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 5, 2023; Brooklyn, New York, USA; Brooklyn Nets forward Cameron Johnson (2) brings the ball up court against the Charlotte Hornets during the third quarter at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports

2. Cameron Johnson, BKN

If the Heat are looking to engage a team reportedly interested in Herro and add a long-term answer at power forward, Cameron Johnson makes a lot of sense.

Johnson’s ceiling isn’t as high as Herro’s, but he fits a need for the Heat, is just 27 and under contract for four more years. Because he signed that extension this summer, he isn’t trade eligible until Jan. 15 but if things go south with HErro, who has been involved in trade rumors for the third straight summer, this could be an effective way to shake things up.

Herro for Johnson would be painful. Herro is still just 23 and averaged 20 points across the last two seasons. The Heat could ask for a bundle of second-round picks or other assets to make it worth their while. But Johnson is a knockdown 3-point shooter (career 39.3%) and versatile defender that would fit Miami’s roster.