Cons: Contract and availability
But is LaVine worth it? It's telling that the Bulls are desperately trying to unload his contract, which has another three years and $138 million remaining -- or an average value of $46 million. Trading for LaVine means committing to building around him and Adebayo for the long haul.
In today's landscape that makes it difficult to carry more than two players on maximum contracts, the Heat would have to ask themselves how they can build around an expensive trio of Butler, Adebayo and LaVine, and how a top duo of LaVine and Adebayo ranks among the top pairs in the league after Butler is gone.
Lastly, there’s the availability that raises red flags. Pat Riley addressed injuries being a problem with this current Heat core, and LaVine is coming off a season where he appeared in just 25 games. Over his last eight seasons, LaVine has appeared in at least 70 games just once (2022-23).
Although LaVine is a good fit on the court (when healthy), what it would cost in salary and finances might not be worth the price (Herro and another big salary), even if it means getting a draft pick back along with him.