3 unrealistic trades Miami must try to make in 2022 NBA offseason
The offseason is a time of speculation for NBA fans everywhere. No matter how good your team already is, you have probably thought about a few absolutely crazy but unrealistic trades for your team. If you’re a fan of a team with a savvy owner (like Pat Riley with the Miami Heat), then you should definitely be preparing your own crazy trade ideas.
The Heat organization has always been in the conversation when it comes to many major trades in recent years. However, the organization has been unwilling to part ways with their most enticing trade assets for the most part. If they did pull the trigger, though, here are three targets that could be intriguing for them in the 2022 offseason.
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3 unrealistic trades Heat must try to make in 2022 NBA offseason
Luguentz Dort
The biggest headline surrounding the Heat this offseason (aside from their reported pursuit of Kyrie Irving) is the imminent departure of PJ Tucker. Reports about the one-time NBA champion leaving the team have swirled since the end of their season. Now, it seems more than likely that Tucker is out of the team.
Because of that, the Heat now have to scramble for a replacement on defense. Tucker was, by all accounts, one of the best defenders for the team last season. There’s one name that, while incredibly intriguing, is also very likely unavailable for them.
Luguentz Dort would be an awesome fit for the Heat if he’s available via trade. The Thunder guard is an underrated 3-and-D guy, as he’s able to play lockdown on-ball defense and play the passing lanes perfectly. However, Dort also just so happens to be part of OKC’s young core. Prying him away from Sam Presti’s hands will be a near-impossible task for any team.
Tobias Harris
Lost in all the chaos of the Sixers’ rollercoaster 2021 campaign is Tobias Harris’ solid performance for the squad. The forward has always been a consistent force for the team on both sides of the ball. He’s a perfect jack-of-all-trades type of player for any contending team, especially one with a massive hole at the power forward position.
Guess which team has a massive hole at PF? The Heat would absolutely love to acquire Tobias Harris in the 2022 offseason. His consistent shooting from the outside and occasional shot-creation would be an upgrade over Tucker, while losing a few levels on defense. That’s not a knock on Harris, who is a solid defender in his own right. It’s more of a testament to Tucker’s incredible defense.
The Sixers aren’t going to give Harris to any team in a trade though, much less a conference rival like the Heat. Still, it’s funny to imagine Jimmy “Tobias Harris over me?” Butler team up with his former Philly teammate again in Miami.
“Tobias Harris over me?” Damn Jimmy Butler 🤣🤣🤣 pic.twitter.com/Avvkjpglsq
— Kevin O’Connor (@KevinOConnorNBA) May 13, 2022
DeMar DeRozan
One of the biggest knocks on the Heat during their ECF campaign last season was how their offense sputtered in key moments. At times, it genuinely felt like Jimmy Butler was the only one able to make shots for himself and his teammates. Kyle Lowry, at his age, should not be the second scoring option on a team.
What better way to fix that than by adding one of the best isolation scorers in the league? DeMar DeRozan’s fringe MVP campaign last season showed fans he’s still able to score at a high level in the NBA. That scoring will definitely come in handy for the Miami Heat come playoff time again. They also have the personnel to help out DeRozan when it comes to his defensive woes.
Let’s be real, though, there’s only one and one reason why this trade is even being talked about here: Kyle Lowry. Reuniting the former Toronto best buds by trading Deebo to the Heat will be one of the most feel-good stories of the offseason.
Does it make sense in basketball terms? Probably not, but it sure as hell will make long-time fans of this duo feel the warm fuzzies. Plus, the two friends will be teaming up with Butler in what will arguably be the most comedic trio in the NBA.
