The Miami Heat Are Looking To Trade Dion Waiters

by
Former Writers
September 26, 2018

Keith Allison via Flickr

The Miami Heat are looking to shake up their roster. They’re looking to trade Dion Waiters, who played in 30 games last season due to an ankle injury. He underwent season ending ankle surgery in January. The year before that, he played in 46 games due to an assortment of ankle injuries. He During his tenure with the Heat, Waiters has shown that he can definitely hold his own when healthy.

In 76 games played in a Heat uniform, Waiters is averaging 15 points and 4.1 assists per game. Those numbers are solid, but the Heat have been expecting more from him. In 2017, Waiters and the Heat agreed to a four-year, $52 million deal, and most thought big things were coming. Due to his durability issues and depth at the shooting guard position, the Heat have stepped up their efforts to trade Waiters.

Regardless What Happens Regarding Jimmy Butler, Trading Dion Waiters Is Still A Priority

It’s no secret that disgruntled Minnesota Timberwolves star, Jimmy Butler, wants out and wants to be traded before the season begins. Butler has been linked to teams like the Los Angeles Clippers, Brooklyn Nets, and the New Year Knicks. On Wednesday, the Heat have decided to join in on the fun. They’re now looking to trade for Butler, which shouldn’t be a total surprise. We all know Pat Riley still prioritizes winning and he’s not going to sit back and do nothing.

If the Heat miss out on Butler, it won’t stop them from being aggressive in trading Waiters. They have Tyler Johnson, a returning Dwyane Wade, Josh Richardson, Rodney McGruder, and Wayne Ellington who can all play the shooting guard position when needed. Along with depth at the shooting guard position and Waiters’ inability to stay healthy, the Heat also want to lower payroll.

Entering the season, the Heat have the NBA’s highest payroll, and Waiters has three-years and more than $67 million left on his current deal. They’re also open to moving point guard Goran Dragic as well. According to ESPN senior insider Adrian Wojnarowski, Dragic could possibly be in a deal that would send him to the Timberwolves and the Heat would get Butler.

Phoenix’s pursuit of a starting point guard could factor into the Jimmy Butler trade discussions as a potential third-team partner, league sources tell ESPN. If Minnesota trades for Goran Dragic in a Miami/Butler scenario, that could make Wolves PG Jeff Teague available for Suns.

— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) September 26, 2018

Why The Heat Wanting To Shake Up Their Roster Is Smart

As constructed, the Heat know they’re just a team in the Eastern Conference that’s in the middle of the pack. So, wanting to shake up the roster is very smart. They know contending for a championship isn’t in the cards for this season, but it’s about the future. If they do pull off a Butler trade and part with Dragic and Waiters in the process, it’s a huge win for them.

It would also make them more appealing for another All-star player to want to join Butler in Miami. The Heat are a prideful organization. They aren’t going to sit back and tank and watch other teams get better. So expect them to start positioning themselves to be possible contenders again.