We are just days away from the 2024 NBA Trade Deadline. The Miami Heat have already made one move, having traded for guard Terry Rozier on January 23rd. But the team’s recent 7-game losing streak made it clear that they still need more help. They never got the star that they needed after the run to the Finals last season. They need another piece, maybe two depending on who it is. It has been reported that “no one knows what the hell Miami is going to do.” With Pat Riley running things, you never know.
As we approach the deadline, here are some Miami Heat trade rumors. Some players have been in Heat rumors, and others haven’t.
Miami Heat Trade Rumors As We Approach The Deadline
P.J. Tucker
On his Instagram story on Saturday Clippers forward P.J. Tucker posted a picture of an interstate exit to Miami Beach, captioned with the words “home sweet home.” That post has been interpreted by a lot of people to believe that a trade to the Heat could be coming, or that at least Tucker wants it. It is already well known that Tucker has been unhappy with his role in LA. If he wants to come back to Miami, a place where he played in 71 games (starting 70) on the Heat team that had the best record in the East and went to the Conference Finals, it would be welcomed by both sides.
Kelly Olynyk
Another possible Heat reunion is with Kelly Olynyk. He’s perfect. He can shoot, he can pass, and he’s tall. They need another big. He was very productive in his previous stint in South Beach which lasted 3.5 years. He is going to be highly sought after in the trade market, and multiple teams have been rumored to be interested in him. As a backup on an expiring contract, the asking price shouldn’t be too bad. Plus with Olynyk already having spent time with the team, the Miami connection there is strong.
Donovan Mitchell
I have to bring this one up. Donovan Mitchell has been linked to the Heat in trade rumors multiple times over the past couple of years. We know that the Heat like him and have shown interest in him. The problem is that, according to reports from multiple different people and outlets, the Cavaliers are “planning to ride it out this season” with Mitchell on the team. Things can change in a heartbeat in the NBA, so it’s not impossible, especially if a good enough offer is made.
Dorian Finney-Smith
Some more size is what the Heat need and Dorian Finney-Smith would give them that. He has been a solid player throughout his career. A good 3-and-D type player could really bolster this roster. The problem is that Brooklyn apparently has a very high asking price for him, one that probably isn’t worth it.
Royce O’Neale
Royce O’Neale is another player from the Nets that could make sense. He’s smaller than Finney-Smith is, but he could still be a good fit as he is your prototypical 3-and-D guard. He is on an expiring contract, so I wouldn’t imagine that the asking price would be too high for him.
Jerami Grant
With the Trail Blazers in a full-on rebuild, having a player like Jerami Grant doesn’t make a whole lot of sense. The Heat could use a player who can both score and defend well, and Grant fits the bill. He is on a sizeable contract though and will probably have some other suitors, so I don’t know how likely that a trade for him to Miami is. But depending on the price he could be well worth it. Portland would probably try to ask for Tyler Herro, and if they do and stand firm then a trade would be unlikely. Not that the Heat won’t trade Herro, but I do not think they would trade him for someone like Grant.
Alex Caruso
Alex Caruso would be a perfect fit for the Heat. He is good on both offense and defense and is the kind of player that Miami could use. The Bulls didn’t seem like they wanted to trade him, but that could change now that Zach LaVine is out for the season.
Miles Bridges
I have seen this one brought up so I feel like I have to. There is no doubt about the talent that Miles Bridges possesses. He is currently averaging career-highs in points, rebounds, and steals. But we all know what kept the controversial Hornets forward out of the league last season. From a purely basketball perspective a trade for Bridges would make a ton of sense for Miami. But with Heat Culture being so strong and considering the off-court issues that Bridges has/had, it probably isn’t likely.
Lauri Markkanen
Lauri Markkanen finally had his big breakout season last year, becoming an All-Star for the first time in his career in his first season in Salt Lake City. Getting him to Miami is wishful thinking on my part, especially since the Jazz recently have shown “no interest” in trading him. But there is no harm in calling Utah and making an offer as he would be a perfect fit and exactly what this team needs.
Andre Drummond
Andre Drummond has emerged as a player that multiple contenders could be interested in trading for to help them down the stretch. He’s a proven center with plenty of experience and could be very useful. I haven’t seen anything linking him to Miami, but I do think a Heat trade for him would make sense as it would give them someone else to play alongside Bam Adebayo.
