5 Trade deadline targets the Heat can save from losing teams

There are several good players on losing teams that could help the Miami Heat make their final playoff push after the NBA trade deadline.

Charlotte Hornets v Miami Heat
Charlotte Hornets v Miami Heat | Megan Briggs/GettyImages
3 of 5

Dennis Smith Jr.

Dennis Smith Jr., Stephen Curry
Golden State Warriors v Brooklyn Nets | Al Bello/GettyImages

Miami and Dennis Smith Jr. have reportedly had mutual interest in the past. Smith is one of the best point-of-attack defenders in the league and Miami still needs to get more athletic. Smith provides the power and speed that Miami needs.

Meanwhile, the Brooklyn Nets are currently 10 games under .500 and have several desirable veterans on the roster. They profile as a team that should be sellers.

Smith could play limited minutes and still have an impact. Pressing ball handlers full-court, handling the ball as a reserve point guard and stepping up to a bigger role in the event of injuries.

Even with the Heat acquiring Rozier, they could use another ball handler. What happens if Rozier gets in foul trouble or misses time during the regular season? Is Josh Richardson really a point guard, or would the Heat be better off allowing to him to play off the ball? Getting an athletic point guard for depth would not be a bad idea.

Schedule