Dante Exum
Speaking of success stories, Exum’s might be one of the feel-good stories of this NBA season. After spending the last two years overseas, the former fifth-overall pick is back in the NBA and playing an important role for the Dallas Mavericks this season.
Exum is averaging career-highs in points (9.3), rebounds (2.9) and 3-point percentage (45.2) in 30 games and 14 starts. With a 6-foot-9 wingspan, Exum is an excellent point-of-attack defender who can provide value on both ends of the court.
He’s struggled to stay healthy and has been sidelined since Jan. 1 with a heel injury.
The Mavericks have depth at guard with Luka Doncic, Kyrie Irving, Tim Hardaway Jr., Jaden Hardy and Josh Green, but can use some help on the wing.
The opposite could be said for the Heat, who have plenty of wings but could use depth at guard.
The Heat and Mavericks could help each other fill holes in their respective rosters with a deal, swapping Caleb Martin to Dallas for Exum, the salary of Markieff Morris (who Miami could buy out) and a second-round pick.