NBA Rumors: Miami Heat have had initial discussions over a possible trade for sharpshooter with Dallas Mavericks
The Miami Heat have had initial discussions with the Dallas Mavericks over a trade for sharpshooter Tim Hardaway Jr. The Basement Sports' Adam Borai first reported these NBA rumors. Borai also stated that the Heat could use their salaries to target a couple of other Mavericks players they covet. Here's what Borai wrote:
"According to multiple sources, the Miami Heat & Dallas Mavericks have had initial conversations on a deal involving Tim Hardaway Jr. This isn't the first time Hardaway Jr has been linked to Miami. He's definitely a name to watch as the deadline approaches."
He further noted:
"A deal with the Mavs would have a lot of moving parts. The Heat are also high on a few players from the Mavs like Bullock & Finney-Smith. They easily have the salary to match if talks get serious."
A deal with the Mavs would have a lot of moving parts. The Heat are also high on a few players from the Mavs like Bullock & Finney-Smith. They easily have the salary to match if talks get serious.
The Miami Heat desperately need to shake things up as their season hasn't gone according to plan. They are 22-20 right now. While their rivals kept bolstering their squad depth, the Heat had to see their starting power forward PJ Tucker leave, who they are yet to replace.
NBA Rumors: Miami Heat would benefit from making a deal with Dallas Mavericks
The Miami Heat could reap massive benefits if they add players like Tim Hardaway Jr. and Dorian Finney-Smith. The Heat are the fifth-worst 3-point shooting team in the league. They are making 33.9% of their shots from the arc this season.
Tyler Herro and Caleb Martin are the only players shooting above 38% from the arc, while the next most efficient player from deep is Max Strus at 34.2%. Hardaway would be an excellent replacement for Duncan Robinson, who is in and out of the rotation and could be included in the deal. THJ is shooting 36.6% from deep and is scoring 13.7 points per game.
Meanwhile, if they pursue Finney-Smith, he could slot into a starting role as a power forward. At 6'7," he would offer them a decent size on the frontcourt, and his 3-point shooting and defense would certainly help the Heat become a better two-way team.
However, the Dallas Mavericks may have a steep asking price for Dorian Finney-Smith. He is integral to their system on both ends of the floor and is one of the best role players in the league. It's unclear whether the Heat would want to spend their assets on adding role players, as they have been rumored to acquire star players.