The Miami Heat’s’ realistic’ trade proposal nets a $222 million All-Star.

 

 

Give the folks at Bleacher Report some credit when it comes to out-of-the-blue Miami Heat trade rumors: they’re daring. Certainly, their most recent effort qualifies.

The deal is described as’realistic’ in the headline, and it is certainly something the Heat would have to consider if it were on the table. However, with Karl-Anthony Towns at the center, it is a long shot for Pat Riley and the Heat.

In terms of developing a greater talent level on the club, most Miami Heat fans could get behind that. Towns is a super-talented big man and three-time All-Star who averages 21.2 points and 9.0 rebounds per game and is on the cusp of reaching the coveted 50-40-90 mark. He shoots 49.8% from the field, 39.8% from 3-point range, and 91.9% from long range.

“The Heat could use more scoring, creation and long-range shooting, though, and Towns checks every box,” Buckley said in a statement. “He could widen the offensive end for Miami’s downhill attackers, and the team could provide him with a more defensively versatile frontcourt partner in Bam Adebayo.”

All of this is correct. But there are three main difficulties that stand in the way of a Miami Heat trade rumor of this scale, two of which Buckley does, at least address.

 

 

The first is that the Timberwolves aren’t exactly in a seller’s market right now. The Wolves are the best team in basketball, going 13-4. Towns has long resented being a No. 1 option, and now that Anthony Edwards has taken over the team, Towns is in a more comfortable complimentary role. Other than terminating his contract, there isn’t much motivation to move him. More on that shortly.

The second is that Jimmy Butler, the Heat’s cornerstone component, and KAT have a deep and mutual dislike for each other that dates back to Butler’s brief stint in Minnesota in 2019, when he was so dissatisfied with Towns’ work ethic that he forced a trade.

“An in-season trade of Towns feels highly unlikely, and a reunion with Jimmy Butler feels even harder to imagine,” Buckley said.

Third, and maybe most importantly, the Heat are unwilling to take on Towns’ four-year, $222 million agreement, which begins next season. The Heat want to reduce their payroll rather than increase it in the future. If the Timberwolves want to get rid of Towns due to his contract, the Heat will not want him for the same reason.

Still, when it comes to Miami Heat trade rumors, Buckley may be hitting on something that most miss. Yes, the Heat would like more scoring, but the presumption that they’re eager to find a guard and a playmaker is just not quite accurate when you ask around the NBA. They’re OK with Kyle Lowry finishing out his contract this season, and they have not seen anything realistic on the market that is a significant improvement from him.

If the Heat want to make a move, it is likely going to be for a versatile power forward, one who can guard multiple positions out to the perimeter and provide a little offensive pop, as well. A 3-and-D big man would suit the roster well.

Caleb Martin has returned from injury for Miami, which helps. However, the Heat would prefer to improve in that position. Towns would be an upgrade, without a question, but he is not a good fit, both personally and monetarily.