After another brutally bad loss at the hands of the Orlando Magic Wednesday night, the Miami Heat falls to 0-4 against their bitter rival on the season. Despite the disappointment, all eyes are now squarely on Pat Riley as the NBA Trade Deadline nears.
For a team that has generally owned the Magic historically, the Heat have now lost six out of their last eight games against Orlando. But none may have been as frustrating as how things played out in their most recent affair.
The Heat held a nine-point lead over the Magic heading into halftime. Miami would be outscored by 20 points in the third quarter, and the Magic never looked back.
Miami's two-game winning streak was snapped as they prepare for three-straight games against the Chicago Bulls. At 25-23 on the season, there are also some big-picture questions that need to be answered over the next few days.
The Heat needs to desperately shake things up
With the trade deadline one week away, the Heat are officially on the clock. More specifically, Riley is on deck.
If there's one thing that has become abundantly clear for the Heat this season, it's that this core has reached its ceiling. Roughly one year on its own, without an active "star" player, the Heat has been a .500 team. And that's not going to cut it for such a proud franchise that sells a narrative of championship or bust.
Sure, the Heat has been plagued by injuries this season, and specifically to Tyler Herro, but the front office and the coaching staff know what this team is - and what it isn't.
For once, it may be time for the Heat to admit that they don't have enough. And that they need help.
The honest truth is that this team is just not very good. With the likes of Giannis Antetokounmpo and Ja Morant on the block, this is generally when Riley makes a move. The disgruntled star market is active, and it's time for the Heat to change things up.
In theory, the Heat should make a move. They almost have to. You can feel it in the air, and read it in the headlines. But, as is always the case in the NBA, that's a lot easier said than done.
Whether they have the necessary assets remains to be seen, but after all the speculation about it, we are finally going to get an answer. One week from now, there's a chance this Heat roster looks a lot different from what it does now. There's also a chance it doesn't.
Either way, all eyes are on Riley and the Heat. Can he come through one more time for the franchise? With how mediocre the Heat product has been on the floor, the fan base needs to cling to something. And, right now, that's the transaction.
The next week will determine a lot about the Heat's future, and Riley has everything in front of him.