Headlined by Lonzo Ball and Cam Thomas, there are a few intriguing buyout candidates that could make sense for the Miami Heat as they try to get over the Play-In Tournament hump.
The Heat have no intention of throwing in the towel, despite letting the NBA trade deadline come and go without making any roster moves. They sit in the eighth seed in the Eastern Conference with a 27-26 record, and are currently on a play-in trajectory.
That result wouldn't be good enough, however, and the Heat know this, which is why they believe they can move up in the standings and secure a playoff berth instead. The problem is, Miami can't find a way to win consistently, and it's hurting their momentum significantly.
So, as the only team in the East not to make a move at the trade deadline, where does that leave the Heat? Any remaining options to add or improve their current roster rest in the buyout market. If they want to avoid a play-in scenario, there is help out there they could look at, and Cam Thomas should be their top target.
Cam Thomas is just one name the Heat should target, but not the only one
Pat Connaughton, SG
The Charlotte Hornets waived the former Milwaukee Bucks champion this week, but that doesn't mean Connaughton can't help someone else in the short term. What he would bring to the Heat is defense, more so than offense, but what team can't use more defense? The Heat could also benefit from Connaughton's 40% three-point shooting, which he's averaged this season, but he would be there more for his defensive presence and ability to disrupt opposing offenses.
Lonzo Ball, PG
Another primary defensive option the Heat could look to is Lonzo Ball, who the Cleveland Cavaliers just cut loose after their trade activity focused on the backcourt. Ball's career injuries have slowed him down as a player; that's no surprise, but he can still play at a high-level defensivley when healthy, especially on the perimeter. The only detractor for the Heat in this situation would be Ball's lack of offense, which is very limited.
Cam Thomas, SG
Cam Thomas is finally out of Brooklyn after two years of speculation and trade rumors. At the same time, it was the biggest non-trade surprise of the week when Thomas was waived by the Nets. Without question, he'll be the most sought-after player on the buyout market, and several teams will be looking at him, and the Heat should be on. Thomas would provide instant offense (he averages 15.6 PPG) that Miami needs, especially with Tyler Herro out of the lineup. Thomas's only drawback is his defense, but the Heat are already a solid defensive team; they could live with his lack.
Chris Boucher, F
Chris Boucher is only an option for Miami if Kel'el Ware continues to struggle and stay within the Heat's rotation. Someone has to step in for Bam Adebayo when he goes to the bench, and Boucher could help alleviate some of that if Ware is unable to. He's also a solid stretch big with a versatile offensive game and paint protection, excelling at protecting the rim.
Khris Middleton, SF
The Dallas Mavericks haven't officially waived Khris Middleton yet, but it's expected that they will, making the former champion an intriguing buyout prospect the Heat would be smart to consider. While Middleton is nothing close to the player he was during his prime in Milwaukee, taking a chance on the 34-year-old veteran might help the Heat with meaningful minutes. Middleton remains a solid two-way option who still averages double-digit points and can offer a playoff veteran presence should the Heat make it that far.