3 Trade deadline moves that would boost the Miami Heat, 2 they must avoid

Avoid: D’Angelo Russell, Los Angeles Lakers

The Lakers and Hawks are close to a deal that would send Dejounte Murray to Los Angeles in exchange for D’Angelo Russell, a first-round pick and a first-round pick swap, according to multiple reports. But the Hawks are looking for a third team to step in and take on Russell.

The Heat should not be that team.

There’s a lot to like about Russell: He’s a talented scorer who can orchestrate the pick-and-roll. But he’s always been more inefficient than teams would prefer and he leaves a lot on the table defensively. Russell is also under contract for another year after this season. Any team trading for him would likely be stuck with him until at least next year’s trade deadline. They better be sure he’s a good fit.

Russell is not a fit in Miami, where there are already questions about ball-dominance and hierarchy.