Vincent Frank
The Miami Heat enter this week’s NBA action with a 24-19 record and as the sixth seed in the Eastern Conference. Pat Riley and Co. have also been linked to some big names on the market ahead of the Feb. 8 NBA trade deadline.
Perhaps, Miami could dangle an expiring Kyle Lowry contract in order to make the finances work as the defending Eastern Conference champions look to shoot up the standings in the second half of the season.
According to multiple media reports, the Heat are testing the waters to see what the veteran guard might be able to bring back in a trade.
Lowry, 37, has seen a major downtick in production since earning six consecutive All-Star appearances earlier in his career with the Toronto Raptors. Thus far this season, he’s averaging a mere 8.2 points and 4.0 assists on 43% shooting.
However, his $29.7 million expiring contract could be appealing to teams who are looking to cut payroll ahead of the offseason. Typically, these types of deals are able to net a nice return if said team is willing to take on longer-term contracts.
Miami Heat need to make a deal ahead of NBA trade deadline
The pressure is squarely on Riley to get something done within the next two-plus weeks. Miami has lost three consecutive games heading into Wednesday’s outing against the Memphis Grizzlies.
They are not seen as anywhere near a top conference title contender with the Boston Celtics (33-10), Milwaukee Bucks (29-13) and Philadelphia 76ers (28-13) heading things back east.
It was this past offseason that Miami seemed to be close to landing Damian Lillard from the Portland Trail Blazers before he was dealt to Milwaukee.
We’re not surprised that the team is active on the trade front leading up to the deadline. In fact, one big-time name in the Eastern Conference has come up as a possibility for the Heat.
Time will tell on this front. But Kyle Lowry’s contract could end up being a boon for the Heat over the next couple weeks. That’s for sure.
