NBA Trade Rumors: Duncan Robinson made available in trade talks by Miami Heat
Duncan Robinson was once viewed as a valuable weapon on the Miami Heat roster. It appears as if the Heat could be looking to move in another direction.
After spending his early years in the G League, Robinson found a home with the Heat. During the 2019-20 season, Robinson started to show that he was more than just another name on the roster. He went on to explode, averaging 13.5 points per game and becoming a serious piece for the Heat in their rotation.
Eventually, Duncan Robinson earned a hefty payday. He signed a five-year, $90 million contract with the Heat. Since the extension, Robinson has struggled to regain that previous form in terms of production.
Still just 28 years old, Robinson is playing just 17.6 minutes per game this season while averaging 6.3 points and shooting just 35.4%. According to NBA writer Michael Scotto of "HoopsHype," it appears that the Miami Heat have made Duncan Robinson available in trade talks:
"With the emergence of Max Strus and Caleb Martin, Miami has made Duncan Robinson available in trade talks, league sources told HoopsHype."
Miami has made Duncan Robinson available in trade talks, per @MikeAScotto https://t.co/kMBHur5thK
Miami Heat reportedly open to trading Duncan Robinson
Duncan Robinson exploded onto the scene and became one of the most underrated assets on the Miami Heat roster. Over the last several seasons, that idea has quickly fizzled. Robinson made a mark for himself as an offensive weapon off the bench. Despite his lack of defensive ability, Robinson's outside shooting has proved to be crucial for the Heat over the years.
With the development of other players in Miami's organization, Robinson has quickly become expendable. In 2020-21, Robinson played extended minutes. During that season, he averaged 13.1 ppg and 3.5 rpg while shooting 43.9%, including 40.8% from 3-point range.
Story: Who are the top trade candidates on each team? Reporting on the market for several players, including John Collins, Myles Turner, Russell Westbrook, Bojan Bogdanovic, James Wiseman, Eric Gordon, Jae Crowder, Derrick Rose, and more on @hoopshype. hoopshype.com/lists/nba-rumo…
Since that season, Robinson has seen a decline in his minutes. He is currently set to make $16.9 million this season. After the 2022-23 season, Robinson is expected to still have two more years on his contract. On top of that, he will have a player option for the 2025-26 season, priced north of $19.8 million.
Robinson has shown the ability to be a lethal floor spacing asset. The problem has become his overall fit in the NBA. His impact on the defensive side of the ball is lacking, meaning he needs to have a specific role on a team. With his current contract situation, it could prove to be challenging for the Heat organization to find a suitor.
Miami (7-10) has lost three consecutive games and are set to face the Minnesota Timberwolves (8-8) on Monday night.