National Basketball Association

4 Potential Trade Targets for the Miami Heat

Published Jun. 30, 2017 6:28 p.m. ET

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Pat Riley can never be counted out of the trade market. What players around the league could be potential targets for the Miami Heat this season?

Pat Riley and the Miami Heat enter the 2016-17 season with a load of uncertainty on their shoulders. With both Dwyane Wade and LeBron James now in different zip codes, as well as Chris Bosh’s ongoing health situation, there is a chance we may not see any member of the famed “Big Three” suit up in black and red this year. Rumors upon rumors are swirling, and it’s time to tackle the issue right where it stands.

Having just signed Hassan Whiteside to a four-year, max contract, the Heat find themselves in a tricky situation. With both Bosh and Whiteside, as well as point guard Goran Dragic earning hefty salaries, it leaves very little cap room for Riley to work with. With free agency in the “dusk” stages and training camp on the horizon, it may be fitting for the Godfather to consider moving one of South Beach’s own.

With that said, we closely examine the best players available if the organization was to come to that conclusion.

Apr 2, 2016; Denver, CO, USA; Sacramento Kings forward Rudy Gay (8) drives to the net against Denver Nuggets guard Emmanuel Mudiay (0) in the fourth quarter at the Pepsi Center. The Kings defeated the Nuggets 115-106. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports

Rudy Gay

The 10-year veteran has been one of the premier scorers at the small forward position over the past decade. Boasting a career average of 18.4 points per game, Gay has recorded three seasons in which he averaged at least 20 points, however, he sports just a mere 45.2 percent career average from the field. From three point range, he is mediocre at best at 34.4 percent.

A solid rebounder, Gay has proven to be very versatile on the boards, using his athletic, 6-foot-8 frame to rip down nearly six per game over 10 seasons.

While cleaning glass may be a strong suit, getting teammates involved however, is not., averaging just 2.3 assists per game for his career. To be successful in a system like Erik Spoelstra has implemented, ball movement is key, and Gay certainly does not fit that mold when in pertains to passing.

Overall, for the right price, it would be nothing but a gamble to bring Gay on board. Having already played on three teams, Gay never grew into the star role many assumed he would.

Mar 14, 2016; Miami, FL, USA; Denver Nuggets forward Kenneth Faried (35) runs up court during the first half against the Miami Heat at American Airlines Arena. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports

Kenneth Faried, Wilson Chandler

Career-wise, neither of these two can be mentioned in the same breath as a Bosh or Dragic. Faried is a solid power forward, averaging 12.3 points and 8.7 rebounds in five seasons.

Chandler, at his best, can give you a solid 10-15 points per game and boasts a nice outside touch for a big guy who can play three positions if needed.

Really, though, this is where Bosh’s health comes into play. Yes, the Heat would prefer a healthy CB over either of these two. Yes, it would be to soon to make a trade at this point, but say the situation doesn’t pan out. Bosh either isn’t cleared or returns, but is a shell of his former self. At this point, Riley and the Heat cannot afford to pay him $20 million-plus per year to play in just 40-60 games.

If the price and circumstances prove to be just right, grabbing one of these guys could be a solid short-term solution.

Mar 30, 2016; Sacramento, CA, USA; Washington Wizards guard John Wall (2) drives in against Sacramento Kings guard Rajon Rondo (9) during the first quarter at Sleep Train Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports

John Wall

Crazy, right?

Wrong.

Rumors have been swirling of Wall’s growing discomfort with teammate Bradley Beal and the Washington Wizards organization. The team wasted no time inking Beal to a five-year maximum contract worth approximately $128 million, and the Wizards organization is concerned the dispute may effect their performance on the court.

While both young guards are considered the future of that franchise, Wall recently admitted his relationship with the young shooting guard could use some work. Via CSN’s Chris Miller:

“I think a lot of times we have a tendency to dislike each other on the court. … We got to be able to put that to the side. If you miss somebody on one play or don’t have something go right … as long as you come to each other and talk. If I starting arguing with somebody I’m cool. I’m just playing basketball.”

Wall’s resumé is certainly impressive (18 points and nine assists for his career), and the Wizards may not be ready to ship him off just yet. However, a deal consisting of Dragic and Justise Winslow could peak their interests, but is Miami willing to part ways with such potential?