After signing Nick Richards to help bolster the frontcourt, you can't help but wonder what that might mean for Nikola Jovic's future with the Miami Heat. On the surface, it's likely to be one of two things. But both of them may point to a likely end of Jovic's time in Miami.
For one, the addition of Richardson could get Jovic back to a much more comfortable role with the Heat, one where he wouldn't be asked to play the center position much. But at the same time, and secondly, the addition of another big does make him much more expendable to Miami.
Whether Jovic has a strong bounce back to the season or not, with as much depth as the Heat now have in the frontcourt, it wouldn't be that outlandish for Miami to be open to the idea of trading him for another playmaker.
Sure, there's some work Jovic has to do to rebuild his trade value, but at just 23 years old, if he does have a strong start to the year, it wouldn't be that shocking if there is some interest generated across the league.
And, maybe, that's what Miami could be hoping for.
The Heat could try and trade Nikola Jovic for another playmaker
At this point, the Heat could swap a big for a playmaker, and most objective fans would sign up for that right now. Heading into this season, Jovic is viewed more as a wildcard for the Heat. It's difficult to know what to expect from him, or to have any level of expectation surrounding his play.
After he completely fell out of the rotation last year, it's almost impossible to project Miami leaning on him to contribute at all. If that does happen, that's an added plus for the Heat. But this season is not going to live or die with Jovic.
That's the biggest reason why, especially after adding another big man, Jovic is suddenly quite expendable for the Heat. If he's not at a development stage where he's ready to contribute now, there's really no point for Miami to keep him on the roster.
If there's any window where Jovic rebuilds his trade value even just slightly, and there is some interest out there, I fully expect the Heat to pursue that.
It may not be the first reaction to see Richards sign in Miami, but, in a few ways, this move could further prove that Jovic may, in fact, be on borrowed time with the Heat.
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