6 win-now Miami Heat trade targets to watch if Pat Riley wants to go all-in

If the Heat are willing to make a smaller trade, several players could be available that would help them maximize their championship window.

Mar 1, 2023; Detroit, Michigan, USA;  Chicago Bulls guard Alex Caruso (6) dribbles on Detroit
Mar 1, 2023; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Chicago Bulls guard Alex Caruso (6) dribbles on Detroit | Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports
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3. Jerami Grant

Jerami Grant
Portland Trail Blazers v Cleveland Cavaliers | Ron Schwane/GettyImages

If Trail Blazers GM Joe Cronin is willing to answer phone calls from a 305 area code, perhaps the two teams can finally strike a deal.

Jerami Grant, who signed a five-year, $160 million contract last summer before Damian Lillard was traded, is the odd man on a rebuilding Portland team. He’s averaging 22 points on 41% shooting from deep this season and deserves to be on a playoff team.

Could the Heat be that team? It depends on their appetite for Grant’s contract and what a trade would cost. While Grant is a good player, he’ll be 30 in March and it’s unclear how many teams would be willing to trade for him on a deal that pays him upwards of $36 million a year through his age-33 season. 

If the Trail Blazers are seeking a get-out-of-jail-free card and avoid paying Grant long-term, the Heat could offer a package of Lowry’s expiring and second-year forward Nikola Jovic. But it’s probably not worth including valuable draft capital. 

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