The Miami Heat have found their footing recently after some up-and-down performances earlier in the 2022-23 NBA campaign. They are atop the underwhelming Southeast Division, which is a plus, but this team doesn’t seem as dangerous as in previous years when it comes to making noise in the postseason.
Miami remains a strong defensive unit, ranking 8th in defensive rating. But, scoring the basketball is a struggle, as they are 25th in offensive rating. That level of efficiency just won’t get it done as there is too much pressure on Bam Adebayo, Jimmy Butler, and Tyler Herro to carry the scoring load.
One of the reasons that the team is in the position that it is, is because of poor investments the last few offseason. The contracts of Duncan Robinson and Kyle Lowry are both albatrosses currently as they are providing very little production on the court.
Moving Robinson is virtually impossible. Unless he is shooting 40+ percent from 3-point range, which he hasn’t done since the 2020-21 season, he is unplayable. It would take multiple first-round picks to move off that deal. Finding a home for Lowry will also prove difficult, but the Heat could have some options.
He was mentioned as a possible trade target for the LA Clippers ahead of the deadline before they went in a different direction. A suggested trade partner for the Heat in a deal centered around Lowry is the Charlotte Hornets.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Kyle Lowry, Terry Rozier, Charlotte Hornets & Miami Heat Updates
The Heat could offer Lowry and a 2027 first-round pick (top-8 protected) to the Hornets in exchange for Terry Rozier and James Bouknight. Rozier is the exact kind of player that Miami should be targeting to help get them over the hump.
A tenacious defender, Rozier has also shown during his tenure with the Hornets that he is a capable scorer and facilitator as well. While his shooting numbers aren’t very efficient, that can be attributed to the lack of talent and help around him, especially with LaMelo Ball sidelined.
Plugging him into the lineup between Butler, Herro and Adebayo would give the Heat a very dangerous group to play again. Bouknight would be a flier, but if any organization can get the most out of and turn things around for a struggling young player, it is the Heat.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Kyle Lowry, Terry Rozier, Charlotte Hornets & Miami Heat Updates
For Charlotte, they pick up a future draft pick, which will help in what feels like a lengthy rebuild. Lowry’s massive contract comes off the books in 2024, which is when Gordon Hayward’s contract also expires.
While the Hornets aren’t a hotbed for free agents, having clean and empty salary books is always beneficial. They can use that cap space to take on contracts that other teams want to move with draft compensation attached to it.
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