Guide to the NBA trade deadline: Heat
The Vertical Insider Bobby Marks, a former longtime assistant general manager with the Nets, breaks down the Miami Heat's situation as the Feb. 18 trade deadline approaches.
HANG UP IF THEY ASK ABOUT ...
The Big Two
Future Hall of Famers Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh are both staples within the Heat organization.
The heart and soul of this Miami team, Wade is finally healthy and is playing some of his most consistent basketball.
Similar to Wade, Bosh, who missed half of last season, has returned to All-Star form. Bosh is signed through the 2018-19 season – but his contract will be $6 million less than the projected max salary this upcoming summer.
Justise Winslow
The combination of Winslow’s all-around upside and the Heat’s lack of assets should make Winslow untouchable. Winslow, who was coveted by many around the draft, has the basketball IQ of a veteran. Only 19, Winslow’s versatility should make him a keeper for the foreseeable future.
Hassan Whiteside
This Heat team is built to win now.
Even with his early Bird restrictions looming in the offseason, keeping Whiteside is Miami’s best chance during the playoffs. With Whiteside signed to a minimum contract, it will be hard to get equal value back in a trade.
Teams are also leery to take on Whiteside, knowing they will inherit the same contract issues Miami could face this summer.
UP FOR DEBATE
Luol Deng
Deng recently has played some of his best basketball since signing with Miami last summer. In the final year of his contract, Deng’s mentorship has been invaluable with the development of Winslow.
WORTH TAKING THE CALL
Josh McRoberts
The market for McRoberts is slim. Injuries have made him a shell of himself since his days in Charlotte. Signed through the 2017-18 season, McRoberts will be tough to move, especially with the Heat limited in assets.
Chris Andersen
Andersen, who has battled a knee injury this season, is in the final year of his contract. His contract could be used as filler if Miami is able to make a multiplayer deal.
Jarnell Stokes
Stokes, who was obtained from Memphis earlier in the year, has bounced back and forth from Sioux Falls, the Heat’s D-League team. Finding a team with a roster spot to take him could save the Heat $2.3 million in tax penalties while also creating an open roster spot.
Miami has $721,300 remaining in cash to send out in any trades.
NO-TRADE CLAUSE OR WITH A RESTRICTION
Dwyane Wade
Wade is one of six players in the NBA to have a no-trade clause. The no-trade clause comes with the provision that Wade has total veto power.
Because Wade signed a one-year contract, his full Bird rights will not transfer to his new team if he consents to a trade.
Jarnell Stokes and Beno Udrih
Stokes and Udrih, both acquired from Memphis, cannot be traded back to the Grizzlies this season.
MOVE THAT PUSHES THE NEEDLE
Stay healthy
Miami, which had been riddled with injuries in January, is finally healthy and playing its best basketball.
TREASURE CHEST OF PICKS
Bare, but Justise Winslow makes up for it
Miami owes Philadelphia its own first-round pick, protected Nos. 1-10. The pick is currently in the mid 20s.
If Miami stumbles and does not send the 76ers a first in 2016, then it owes Philadelphia an unprotected first in 2017.
Phoenix has the Heat’s first-round pick in 2018, protected Nos. 1-7. If Miami falls within the top seven of the draft in 2018, the pick will then carry over to 2019, unprotected.
If Philadelphia acquires the Heat’s 2017 first-round pick, Miami would send an unprotected first to Phoenix in 2019. This scenario is unlikely to happen.
Miami also owes Phoenix a 2021 unprotected first-round pick. The 2018 and 2021 draft considerations are from the Goran Dragic trade.
AVAILABLE TRADE EXCEPTIONS
Miami has three trade exceptions valued at $2.1 million, $1.7 million and $1.2 million.
The exceptions will not expire until next season.
Using one of the exceptions comes with a significant price. The Heat are in the repeater tax and will pay a luxury tax hit if used.
POST-TRADE DEADLINE ROSTER MOVEMENT
Like most teams, the Heat will pay attention to the March 1 buyout deadline.
The Heat currently have 15 players under contract. However, if a key veteran is available on the open market, Miami will certainly look into that, even if it means paying more in luxury tax.
SNEAK PEEK TOWARD JULY
Miami is known in league circles to have the most creative cap expert in Andy Elisburg. This summer the Heat will rely on Elisburg's expertise to navigate some tricky waters.
With early Bird rights limiting Miami's ability to pay Whiteside in free agency, the Heat’s first order of business will be finding a comfortable number for Wade. Wade's salary will dictate which direction Miami goes in free agency.
Keeping the cap holds of Wade, Whiteside and Tyler Johnson will see the Heat have $8 million in cap space. That, of course, is after their other free agents are renounced.
Wade's cap hold is $29 million. If he is brought back on a contract close to $20 million per year, Miami could have $17 million in room to use on Whiteside or go free-agent shopping. The lower Wade's salary goes, the more cap space Miami could have.
The Heat’s cap space could also increase based on what is done with McRoberts. The power forward still has two years guaranteed beyond this current season.
INSIDER INFO
Miami is currently not eligible to trade any future first-round picks.
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