If the Miami Heat hopes to take a major leap forward in the near future - likely by landing a superstar via trade - they may need to take an unpopular step back at this year’s NBA Trade Deadline by moving on from Andrew Wiggins.
It's a potential trade that may seem like a step back on paper, but one that will, without question, put this team in a much better situation as they wait for the right opportunity to acquire another superstar player.
Why the Heat may need to trade Andrew Wiggins
There are two big certainties that back up this line of thinking. First, even though the Heat have gotten off to a relatively strong start to the season, they're still nowhere near genuine championship contention. At best, the Heat are probably a feisty playoff team that will give a favorite a world of trouble in the first round.
Secondly, the Heat needs to start stockpiling more draft assets if they're going to be in the running to land a superstar player via trade in the future.
Trading Wiggins, especially with his stock so high, could go a long way in helping Miami get to a point where they're ready to take that big next step.
Andrew Wiggins could be a prime trade deadline target
Through the first month of the season, Wiggins has separated himself as a player who could emerge as one of the most sought-after players at the NBA Trade Deadline. Considering Wiggins can opt out of his contract after this season, it wouldn't be outrageous for the Heat to flip him (especially if they don't feel strongly about their ability to re-sign him after this year) at the deadline.
If he were to hit the block, there would be several contenders interested. And if any of them are willing to put a first-round pick on the table for Wiggins, it would present the Heat with an interesting decision.
In 16 games this season, Wiggins is averaging 16 points, five rebounds, and three assists per game on 48 percent shooting from the field. He's also been a huge tool for the Heat on the defensive end of the floor.
Despite all that, I still can't help but wonder if Wiggins' biggest value for the Heat, especially big picture, could come via trade.
Wiggins is a very good player, but the Heat are not close to contention with their current roster. And if trading Wiggins does move them closer to building a championship contender in the near future, the decision is pretty clear.
Trading Wiggins may seem like a step back, but it could truly be a huge step forward for what this franchise truly wants to accomplish.