The Miami Heat currently sit with a 29-25 record in sixth place within the Eastern Conference. It has not been the season that many within the organization expected; however, the NBA trade deadline represents a scenario to turn it around.
One player, in particular, could be the catalyst toward a move that puts Miami in a better spot moving forward. According to the Miami Herald, the Heat are open to trading point guard Kyle Lowry if the trade would benefit the team.
Lowry, 36, is averaging 12.0 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 5.3 assists while shooting 39.6% from the field. It is clear that he is no longer the player he use to be with the Toronto Raptors and a fresh start might be on the horizon.
Related: Miami Heat interested in acquiring Minnesota Timberwolves guard D’Angelo Russell
Miami Heat “open” to trading Kyle Lowry, evaluating the best package the team could receive
The Heat find themselves in a tough situation with Lowry declining and a poor supporting cast around its two star players, Jimmy Butler and Bam Adebayo. Therefore, it could be smart to let go of the 36-year-old guard while he still has some value.
One trade partner that has been publicly discussed the most with Lowry is the Los Angeles Clippers. This comes after the Clippers failed in its pursuit to land newly acquired Dallas Mavericks point guard Kyrie Irving.
However, there are more teams that have inquired about the idea of trading for Lowry, according to the Miami Herald. Despite this new report, the Clippers seem to be the perfect trade partner for the Heat.
Lowry has a $28.33 million cap hit with one more year on his contract after the 2022-23 season ends. The Clippers have Luke Kennard with a $14.42 million cap hit which is significant since the team has not put him on the floor in the last two games.
If Los Angeles could include Kenanrd and forward Robert Covington with a $12.31 million cap hit, it would be a beneficial trade for Miami to swing. There would be more within the deal but that is the base of this proposal.
Alongside Lowry, the Heat are willing to trade Max Strus and most of the other players on their roster, per the Miami Herald. Miami could include him in a Lowry deal to boost the return price.
The Heat definitely need to make some moves if they want to make it back to the NBA Finals. Based on the latest reports, it would be pretty surprising if they remain quiet through the NBA trade deadline.