Assessing how the Heat stand a month before trade deadline
MIAMI — The speculation begins earlier because the NBA trading deadline is earlier this season.
So with Feb. 8 within sight, this stands as good a time as any to assess the possibilities of pieces on the Miami Heat roster being put into motion.
Hassan Whiteside: This comes down to whether the attributes that made — and still make — Whiteside so unique are prioritized by the Heat coaching staff and front office. There will be high-volume rebounding, off-the-ball shot blocking, deterrence at the rim. But this is not center-as-fulcrum, 24/7 ball of fury. At a $23.8 million price point, it is curious how Whiteside continues to be dealt with as an ensemble piece. Trade by Feb. 8: Unlikely.
Goran Dragic: Erik Spoelstra has been effusive about how Dragic is the type of winning player that any team should covet, one who pushes through adversity. As it is, he is the lone player with a true point guard pedigree on the roster. Remember, the Heat owe the Phoenix Suns a pair of first-round picks (mostly likely 2018 and ‘21), so it could be uncomfortable having a team exercise those picks with Dragic elsewhere. Trade by Feb. 8: Unlikely.
Kelly Olynyk: Well, what do you know, that four-year, $50 million freeagency contract extended in the offseason has turned into a value deal. Only now are the Heat truly exploring the possibilities, with the question becoming about expanding the role, not scuttling the relationship. Trade by Feb. 8: Practically zilch.
Josh Richardson: By signing a four-year, $42 million extension that kicks in next season, Richardson, by NBA rule, cannot be dealt until after the season. Trade by Feb. 8: Not allowed.
Tyler Johnson: With the salary jumping to $19.2 million next season, the math makes any in-season permutation unlikely. A deal after July 1 would make more sense, if one is to be made. Trade by Feb. 8: Unlikely, but there is some sticky math going forward.
James Johnson: It remains unclear how many teams were willing to offer a 30-year-old the four-year, $60 million deal the Heat extended in July. The productivity to this point makes it somewhat of a minus outcome. The Heat are far more likely to work to maximize the value. Trade by Feb. 8: Unlikely.
Dion Waiters: The current ankle issue would make any trade talks a non-starter, with Waiters at the moment a non-player. It is looking more and more as if the four-year, $52 million deal agreed to in July will turn into a threeyear term of contribution. The Heat hope. Trade by Feb. 8: Shelved for the foreseeable future.
Wayne Ellington: There has been outside interest, as the NBA continues to prioritize 3-point shooting. It could come down to whether the Heat believe Ellington’s Early-Bird Rights will be enough to allow them to keep him in the offseason. Otherwise, he stands as one of the Heat’s more attractive trade commodities. Trade by Feb. 8: Highly unlikely if Heat sense they can resign him.
Bam Adebayo: The Heat have had so few bites at the rookie-scale apple that it would make little sense to move on from such a value contract, particularly from a valued contributor. Trade by Feb. 8: Close to zero, if not zero.
Justise Winslow: And here is where it gets interesting. The Heat will have to decide on an extension before the start of next season. They already have shown success in his absence during the 30-11 run over the second half of last season and this recent run. But is there a market? Trade by Feb. 8: Likely only if a plus-one to something bigger.
Rodney McGruder: Like the other value players on the roster, McGruder, with another season on his contract for $1.5 million, is too much of a value to be dealt for anyone of comparable salary in a required dollar-for-dollar salary-cap deal. There have been several instances this season that in McGruder’s absence the Heat have recognized the value. Trade by Feb. 8: Minimal, unless Heat come to believe there eventually will be an overload of wing depth.
Jordan Mickey: With the Heat power rotation getting healthier, this could come down to whether there is a need for salarycap filler in a deal. Trade by Feb. 8: As potential cap filler.
Okaro White: The Heat have yet to fully explore the possibilities, with the earlyseason foot surgery keeping the former Florida State forward mostly out of view. Trade by Feb. 8: As potential cap filler.
Udonis Haslem: Haslem can block any trade because of his contract status. The only issue would be the need for his roster spot. Trade by Feb. 8: Zero chance.