OKC Thunder: Power Rankings all teams at the trade deadline

Miami Heat: Buyers

Week 13: 1-3

Offense: (107.5) 25th
Defense: (108.8) 6th
Net: (Minus -1.4) 21st

Pat Riley isn’t about to stand pat. Miami is past the initial adversity they faced with COVID-19 and injuries but are eager to fill some holes left this offseason.

I never thought I would say the exit of Jay Crowder would make a difference but it has. Not even from a positional standpoint but more from a veteran leadership and grit perspective. It didn’t hurt that he could be relied on to hit from the perimeter as well.

More important is the need for a true point guard as Jimmy Butler and Bam Adebayo have carried much of that responsibility. While Goran Dragic is great as a microwave scorer and floor captain of the reserve unit the Heat needs a starting-caliber point guard who can get the Heat clicking offensively as they do on defense.

That’s why Kyle Lowry is the priority for the Heat. The veteran can space the floor, fits the identity of the gritty Heat, could open a whole universe of offense for Adebayo, and is (biased opinion) one of a handful of players who can shift the momentum in a game.

However, the Raptors aren’t necessarily eager to say farewell to the player they consider their heart. If the deal works and Lowry is open to it then it could happen but it’s likely going to cost the Heat a few young talents.

Similar to when the OKC Thunder weren’t going to budge on the Paul George to LAC deal for Shai Gilgeous-Alexander the Raptors aren’t likely to acquiesce unless Tyler Herro and Precious Achiuwa are included. They aren’t interested in Nunn. And as noted the Raptors need a big so Kelly Olynyk (who is Canadian) makes sense to help to offset the salary.

Miami also needs to add depth up front but it won’t be surprising if that gap gets addressed via a big on the buyout market.

I’m still not convinced Lowry is traded — but he’s the big piece of pie that will start the dominoes falling today.