Pros and Cons of the Heat trading Tyler Herro for Zach LaVine

Pro: Scoring

LaVine is a proven scorer. Although he is coming off a down year in which he appeared in just 25 games in 2023-2024 due to injury, he made consecutive All-Star games in 2021 and 2022. Over his previous three seasons before the injury-riddled 2023-24 campaign, LaVine averaged 25 points on 49% shooting, including 39% from 3-point range.

Those averages are significantly better all-around offensive stats than Herro has showcased so far in his career. 

Not only would the Heat be getting a lethal scorer when healthy, but they would be getting an established former All-Star. That is an achievement the 24-year-old Herro has yet to come close to attaining. At 29, LaVine is right in the middle of his prime. His age and talents align with both Butler and Adebayo’s windows. 

The Heat were a top-10 team in defensive efficiency this past season but they were on the opposite side of the rankings in offensive efficiency. Miami needs another scoring option to get them over the hump. LaVine brings athleticism and the ability to create shots for himself and others (4.4 assists per game over the last five seasons).

LaVine can help solve that problem while also giving the roster a much-needed spark.