Roy Hibbert rumors: Could Miami Heat trade for Hibbert?

May 24, 2014; Miami, FL, USA; Indiana Pacers center Roy Hibbert (55) reacts during a game against the Miami Heat in game three of the Eastern Conference Finals of the 2014 NBA Playoffs at American Airlines Arena. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports
May 24, 2014; Miami, FL, USA; Indiana Pacers center Roy Hibbert (55) reacts during a game against the Miami Heat in game three of the Eastern Conference Finals of the 2014 NBA Playoffs at American Airlines Arena. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports

Now that they have lost guard Lance Stephenson to the Charlotte Hornets in free agency and will likely be without forward Paul George for the entire 204-15 season after he fractured his leg in a scrimmage with Team USA, many believe the Indiana Pacers could opt to clean house, try to get a lottery pick and get under the salary cap.

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One way they could do that is by dealing center Roy Hibbert. The Miami Heat are one team that would obviously be a good fit for Hibbert – he could be the rim protector they need.

Although his value is low, Ira Winderman of The South Florida Sun Sentinel doesn’t see any realistic way the Heat could land Hibbert.

"This is getting old by now, but the only players the Heat can put into a trade are Norris Cole, Justin Hamilton and Shabazz Napier, since every veteran free agent signed this offseason cannot be dealt until Dec. 15. So unless you’re talking about a player making about $6 million or less, the math doesn’t work in a trade. And even then, you would have to find a team willing to take on that three-player package."

Last season, Hibbert averaged 10.8 points, 6.6 rebounds, 2.2 blocks and 1.1 assists per game while shooting 43.9% from the field, 40.0% from beyond the arc and 77.0% from the free throw line. Over his career, he’s put up 11.2 points, 5.5 rebounds, 1.4 blocks and 0.9 assists per game while shooting 4.7% from the floor, 30.0% from three and 73.7% from the charity stripe.

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