If the first 10 games are an indication of anything for the Miami Heat, it's the fact that they have a very real Andrew Wiggins problem. Up north, the Cleveland Cavaliers may be having a similar issue with James Harden.
As both teams struggle below .500 at the 10 percent mark of the season, is there a path where a problem-for-problem swap could be beneficial for both the Heat and the Cavs? At least for Miami, that would certainly be a hope.
In theory, a Wiggins-for-Harden trade could be an intriguing thought for the Heat. If Wiggins isn't a good fit next to Giannis Antetokounmpo, and the evidence continues to mount that he may not be, it would be prudent for the team to try to explore their options. Maybe Harden could be one?
Miami's biggest issues right now, aside from defense (which is a completely different problem in itself)? They lack a natural scorer (opposite of Giannis) and a playmaker on the offensive end of the floor.
James Harden would revolutionize the Heat's offense with Giannis
Harden, even at this watered-down stage of his career, would still be a massive upgrade for what the Heat has in the backcourt. Davion Mitchell has had a tremendous start to the season, but Harden is a much better natural scorer, shooter, and playmaker. That's not a knock on Mitchell; it speaks to how good Harden is on that end of the floor.
He's exactly the type of player who could help the Heat add another layer to the offense and help the spacing in a way where they're not completely relying on Klay Thompson every night.
Harden would certainly bring more questions to the Heat's defense, but it's not like Wiggins has been great on that end of the floor this year anyway. And if the Heat is going to be an average, at best, defensive team, then they might as well be the best offensive team that they can be.
And, in a very weird way, a Harden-for-Wiggins swap would help them achieve that.
But as much as this would make sense on paper, there's no guarantee that the Heat or the Cavs are at the point where they'd consider trading Wiggins or Harden, respectively.
In a dream world, though, where Heat fans are scrambling to figure out how to solve the team's early-season issues, a Harden-for-Wiggins swap should sound appealing. It may never be entirely realistic, but maybe the Cavs could use another 3-and-D wing, perhaps one that is in need of a change of scenery?
The Heat could certainly use a player with the offensive versatility (and punch) like Harden.
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