Heat land ‘hidden gem’ 20-point scorer in latest trade proposal

After another season ranking in the bottom 10 in scoring and struggling to make a dent in the Boston Celtics’ defense in the first round of the playoffs, the Miami Heat need to find a way to put the ball in the basket.

The Heat are expected to explore star trades this summer but, as this front office has learned over the years, those trades are difficult to complete. If players like Donovan Mitchell and Trae Young aren’t viable options this offseason, perhaps the Heat could turn to some complementary scorers with upside.

For example, Utah Jazz guard Collin Sexton.

Over his six NBA seasons, Sexton has averaged 18.9 points per game on 46.9% shooting (and 38.3% from 3-point range). He averaged more than 20 points in two straight seasons from 2019-2021 but had his best overall campaign with the Jazz last season, averaging 18.7 points and a career-high 4.9 assists.

In a trade idea proposed by Bleacher Report’s Zach Buckley, the Heat and Jazz could work together as trade partners this summer. Here’s the scenario: 

According to Buckley, Sexton’s scoring would address some on-the-court needs and his personality is a fit for the Heat’s culture.

“Sexton could steal a few eyeballs in South Beach, where the Heat could use more perimeter punch and downhill force. His perpetually full-throttle motor would be an easy #culture fit, and he could provide the second team with the scoring boost it lost upon Tyler Herro’s promotion to the opening lineup.”

Adding Sexton to a backcourt with Terry Rozier and Tyler Herro would give the Heat three effective, yet different, scoring options. Rozier is a crafty scorer who can create shots for himself and others, Herro is an elite 3-point shooter with a dazzling perimeter game and score-first mentality, while Sexton is a big-framed guard who thrives at getting to the rim.

Due $18.3 million this season and $19.1 million next season, Sexton’s affordable contract could also be appealing to a Heat team up against the second tax apron. 

Collin Sexton could become available, per report

According to HoopsHype’s Michael Scotto, the Jazz could make Sexton available this offseason.

“There’s also a belief from rival executives who spoke with HoopsHype that guards Collin Sexton and Jordan Clarkson could become available on the trade market,” Scotto reported earlier this month.

While the Jazz might be looking to package their draft picks with Sexton or Clarkson to upgrade the roster, addressing a major team need like 3-point shooting (Utah ranked 22nd in 3-point shooting percentage) by acquiring Duncan Robinson could be a smart reallocation of resources.

Is Collin Sexton a ‘hidden gem?’

Having spent most of his career playing for rebuilding outfits, Sexton has never appeared in the playoffs. But The Ringer’s Kevin O’Connor believes he could thrive for a competitive team.

“He has all the ingredients of a player who can help contribute to a team that does play on the biggest stage. Sexton is an explosive downhill attacker who gets into the paint at will. When he’s not finishing using crafty layups or floaters, he’s a willing playmaker. He’s also a knockdown shooter who’s made 44.7 percent of catch-and-shoot 3s and 32.6 percent of dribble-jumper 3s in his two seasons with Utah. As an energetic defender who’s just 25 years old, he seems primed to help a competitive team on both ends.”

Sexton’s offensive talent is undeniable and he made noticeable strides as a defender and playmaker last season. Parting with Robinson’s elite shooting would be difficult but Sexton’s upside as a complementary scorer could help take Miami’s offense up a needed notch.