3. Let’s go to the trade machine! Show us your favorite trade idea.
Dias: A bit of an outside-the-box idea, but how much would the Grizzlies ask for Marcus Smart? Would they take Lowry’s expiring and a 2028 first-round pick to send Smart to Miami (and Jake LaRavia and Xavier Tillman, for salary matching purposes)? Smart is the kind of guard who would give Miami a new level defensively and someone who could still make plays offensively.
Marshall: After watching Miami play the Charlotte Hornets this past week, I’m trying to acquire Terry Rozier. The only trade that makes sense is Lowry and a first-round pick for Rozier. Maybe Charlotte wants their guards to get more playing time, and trading Rozier gets them off his contract (three years left) for an expiring contract.
Meadows: So this is a challenging task! But, I would say Miami should try to acquire OG Anunoby from the Raptors. Anunoby will likely seek a bigger contract when he can opt out this summer, so Toronto might try to get something for him now rather than pay him or let him walk. Given his defensive skills and ability to shoot 3-pointers, there will be a high demand for a player like him, and Miami would be a great fit.
The Heat have been unsuccessful in acquiring top players like Donovan Mitchell, Kevin Durant, Bradley Beal, and Damian Lillard in the past couple of seasons, but shooting for a high-end role player would still be an upgrade. During last year's Finals, Miami struggled with a lack of depth in the forward position. Adding Anunoby, who is one of the best 3-and-D wings in the NBA, would be a valuable addition to the Heat's roster, providing them with size and versatility.