With the Lillard and Holiday moves in the past week happening, two teams in the east got better, and the Heat stayed the same. With the Herro situation right now, it would be best for Miami to make a move now, before training camp, and I think this is the best option to fully maximize the potential of this Heat roster.
Why The Heat Do This:
It’s hard to imagine after all the rumors, the Heat roster comes to training camp happy. There’s already rumors Herro wants out too. With the recent moves by Milwaukee and Boston, the Heat countering them by getting a third star and adding depth would be the best way to still contend in the east.
Zach LaVine is the best possible third option for the Heat. Lavine can play on and off ball, and is an amazing shooter and finisher. Lavine shoots a career 46/38/83 on 20 PPG for his career. You know the rest, with the dunk contests and everything. Tyus Jones and Delon Wright are two veteran point guards who can run the offense for the Heat at an efficient rate. Tyus Jones has been the league leader in A/TO ratio multiple times, and Delon is a perfect backup for the money. Both also can spread the floor, something Miami lost over the summer with Vincent and Strus leaving.
Miami Heat Starting 5:
Tyus Jones
Zach LaVine
Jimmy Butler
Kevin Love
Bam Adebayo
Miami Heat Bench Rotation:
Delon Wright
Josh Richardson
Caleb Martin
Nikola Jokic
Thomas Bryant
Why The Bulls Do This:
On paper, this might be dumb to trade LaVine for Herro and three picks. But Herro and LaVine’s stats are similar, and in a second option role, Herro can fill LaVines shoes pretty well, by also fitting the timeline of the Bulls core. Herro is only 23, and shoots 43/38/52, which is nearly identical to LaVine. Even with the age difference, Herro has more playoff experience than LaVine, which will be key in a playin appearance if the Bulls get there. Three firsts in the post-Butler era are also a great asset to have if the Bulls end up rebuilding.
The Bulls Starting 5:
Coby White
Tyler Herro
DeMar DeRozan
Patrick Williams
Nikola Vucevic
The Bulls Bench Rotation:
Jevon Carter/Ayo Dosumnu
Alex Caruso
Duncan Robinson
Torrey Craig
Andre Drummond
Why The Wizards Do This:
The Wizards traded for Poole this offseason, and are key on building around him. On a roster with Tyus Jones and Delon Wright, Poole would have to play the 2, which isn’t his natural position. Trading Jones and Wright for assets to free up minutes at the 2 for younger players like Johnny Davis, Bilal Coulibaly, Corey Kispert and letting Poole run point full time would allow for the younger players to develop.
Kyle Lowry, Jaime Jaquez, a first and a second might seem underwhelming, but a 2027 Heat first will likely be right after Butler leaves or retires, is great value for two expiring contracts. Jaquez has shown great potential, and can be a great role player for the Wizards in the future. Buying out Lowry can also be an option
The Wizards Starting 5:
Jordan Poole
Bilal Coulibaly
Deni Avdija
Kyle Kuzma
Daniel Gafford
The Wizards Bench Rotation:
Kyle Lowry
Landry Shamet
Corey Kispert
Danilo Gallinari
Mike Muscala
Overall, I think this helps all 3 teams. The Heat get needed depth, the Bulls prepare for the future, and the Wizards free up minutes for their younger players. Go upvote if you like this, if not, tell me why.