NBA Rumors: Miami Heat open to moving Duncan Robinson in potential trade
Recent NBA rumors have suggested that the Miami Heat may be open to moving Duncan Robinson to a potential trade. With Ira Winderman writing on the matter, the Heat inside speculated on this rumor based on Miami's recent trends with regards to playing Robinson.
The Miami Heat have featured in several rumors as of late. Given that the team hasn't been as dominant as last season, the Heat have a valid reason to be concerned.
Their recent performances have given rise to several doubts regarding their ability to compete. Much of this could be attributed to their relatively undersized lineup, with Bam Adebayo carrying the majority of the workload.
In this regard, the Heat have been linked to several teams in trade scenarios to acquire a viable power forward. With players such as Bojan Bogdanovic, Jae Crowder and Kyle Kuzma being the primary entities, Miami has a fair amount of options to look at.
However, the main concern lies in the ability to facilitate a trade that benefits both parties. To do so, the Heat may consider making sharpshooting forward Duncan Robinson available for a trade.
Robinson hasn't garnered a lot of interest as an asset from a lot of teams. However, the Miami Heat may be making attempts to bump up his trade stock. Ira Winderman speculated on the matter in his article for the Sun Sentinel. He wrote:
"I have felt since the get-go there has been somewhat of a showcasing of Duncan Robinson. But when push comes to shove and defensive deterrence is required. It is apparent that it is still difficult for Erik Spoelstra to ride Duncan through those minutes.
"Even when Duncan is hitting shots, if the game is close or the Heat are ahead at closing time, Erik Spoelstra has shown a clear preference for Max Strus in those minutes.
"Then again, even when the Heat had to rally from 13 down against the Suns, Spoelstra still didn’t play Duncan in the fourth, while Strus, who had been scoreless through three quarters, played the entire fourth."
Heat insider believes the Miami Heat are ‘showcasing’ Duncan Robinson for a potential trade: heatnation.com/media/heat-ins…
Winderman's report does suggest that the Heat are in favor of displaying Duncan Robinson's talents. However, given the team's struggles to run away with games, head coach Erik Spoelstra continues to favor Max Strus, who is more of an all-round upside.
There has been a significant drop-off in Robinson's performance. Having endured through a massive shooting slump last season as well, the forward has found himself in a similar position this season. However, the consequences could be far more drastic this time around.
The Miami Heat will look to offload Duncan Robinson's contract
Several reports and rumors have suggested that the Miami Heat will include Duncan Robinson in potential trade negotiations. This could primarily be to offset the contract of assets they look to bring in.
Robinson signed a huge extension which has practically been a burden for the Heat. Considering that the forward hasn't played up to potential, it is fair to assume that he is overpaid.
Although Miami has shown some degree of restraint in their practices with regards to trading Robinson, they may consider it in the current circumstances. With a distinct need for a solid 3&D veteran, the Heat would benefit from including Robinson as part of any trade.
Unfortunately, the market doesn't seem to have any interest in the forward at the moment. With trade talks with the Phoenix Suns also breaking down due to the Suns' lack of interest in Robinson, the Heat are in a tough situation.
Also Read: NBA Rumors: Phoenix Suns looking to land Miami Heat sharpshooter in Jae Crowder trade