Miami Heat NBA Trade Deadline Early Predictions 2024: 5 bold moves ft. All-Star talent pursuit
Jimmy Butler defiantly told the media during the Miami Heat media day that the team will get the job done this year. Miami was swept by Nikola Jokic and the Denver Nuggets in the 2023 NBA Finals and was looking to improve the team. The Heat were reportedly the frontrunners to grab Damian Lillard from the Portland Trail Blazers before “Dame Time” was sent to the Milwaukee Bucks.
Butler told reporters that he had a roller-coaster ride of emotions before the season started. With no Lillard coming to boost the team, the reigning Eastern Conference Finals MVP dug down and vowed a championship.
The Heat, despite Jimmy Butler’s bold declarations, aren’t likely closing their doors in potential trades to get them over the hump.
Here are some names the Miami Heat could go after before the February trade deadline:
#5 Tyus Jones
Tyus Jones has been in Miami Heat trade rumors since the off-season. Jones isn’t on the same level as Damian Lillard but he is a solid playmaker who can run a team. Kyle Lowry is oft-injured and may have lost a step or two.
Jones is also almost always available. He has played at least 60 games in his last seven seasons. Given Tyler Herro’s injury history, he could be another shot-creator and ball-handler for the team.
The Washington Wizards are in the first year of a full rebuild and are looking to get younger. Duncan Robinson and a 2026 second-round pick for Jones might be the starting point of a trade.
#4 Jerami Grant
If the Miami Heat couldn’t pry Lillard away from the Portland Trail Blazers, they might succeed with Jerami Grant. The 29-year-old isn’t on the Blazers’ timeline with Anfernee Simons, Shaedon Sharpe and Scoot Henderson. The Blazers might be enticed to bolster their assets with a trade.
Miami could open trade discussions with Duncan Robinson, Nikola Jovic and a 2027 first-round pick. Jovic is an emerging talent who will be the better fit around Simons, Sharpe and Henderson.
Having Duncan Robinson will benefit Portland’s salary cap in the long run. The sweet-shooting forward is in the books for $38 million in the next two seasons. Jerami Grant is owed roughly $95 million in the next three years before a player option for $36 million heading into the 2027-28 season.
Grant’s timeline isn’t ideal for Portland but it is built for Jimmy Butler’s championship window.