The Miami Heat are 4-6 through their first 10 games of the NBA season. Given that many believe this could be the final year of Miami’s championship window, they are under a microscope in this way. This is especially true considering that this could be Jimmy Butler‘s last season with the team. Nonetheless, to start the new season, the Heat are not playing up to their standards. Because of this, they have appeared in numerous trade rumors and are a candidate to make a big splash. However, according to the latest reports, it seems that Heat fans may need to pump the brakes for now.
In a recent article for ESPN, NBA writer Tim Bontemps wrote about where the Heat stand on a potential trade amidst their slow start. Bontemps wrote that the plan was always for the Heat to wait it out a bit before making any drastic changes. Even with their 4-6 record, this plan has not changed for Miami. Bontemps seemingly kept the possibility of a future trade for the Heat open. However, he also noted that, due to the “forgiving” Eastern Conference, Miami is likely more willing to wait it out a little while longer.
“Miami came into the season with lots of questions about its future. After a middling start to the season, including Jimmy Butler going down with an ankle injury, those questions remain. Given the extraordinarily forgiving nature of the East, don’t expect Miami to make any early moves. Entering the season, the Heat wanted to see how their roster would look and then evaluate from there. That thought process hasn’t changed,” Bontemps wrote
NBA Writer Gives Update On Potential Miami Heat Trade
Possible Trades the Miami Heat Could Make
Over the past few years, the Heat have been linked to numerous names. This includes players like Damian Lillard and DeMar DeRozan, who have each found homes elsewhere. However, the Heat are now linked to their biggest name yet–Milwaukee Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo. Though a trade seems unlikely for now, the Heat are a potential destination for the two-time NBA MVP. The Bucks, like Miami, are going through a rough patch to begin the season. Additionally, they are now 20-27 since Doc Rivers took over as head coach. Although it could just be a pipedream, the Heat trading for Antetokounmpo is an option.
Additionally, the Heat are rumored to potentially trade some of their own players as well. This most notably includes Butler and Tyler Herro. If a trade is to happen for Miami this season, they are two players to keep an eye on.
The Last Word
The Heat are off to a bad start this season. That is hard to deny. They rank in the bottom half on the offensive and defensive side of the ball. Despite making the NBA Finals just over one year ago, the Heat are in a tough spot right now. However, despite this, they are still the No. 9 seed in the East. If the season ended today, they would be a Play-In team. Things look kind of bleak in Miami right now, but there is plenty of time for them to turn things around. This is especially true considering that Butler has missed each of their last two games due to an ankle injury.
Miami’s current strategy makes sense for them. They are still in the playoff picture as of today despite not being at full health. If they are still a losing team by February’s trade deadline, then a move makes sense. For now, however, it is in the team’s best interest to play it out and make a final call later on.
