Fansided

NBA Trade Rumors: 5 trades Miami Heat need to make

By Tom West

Oct 7, 2015; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Sacramento Kings forward Rudy Gay (8) runs up the court in the first half against the Phoenix Suns at Talking Stick Resort Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jennifer Stewart-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 7, 2015; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Sacramento Kings forward Rudy Gay (8) runs up the court in the first half against the Phoenix Suns at Talking Stick Resort Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jennifer Stewart-USA TODAY Sports /
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Dec 23, 2015; New Orleans, LA, USA; New Orleans Pelicans forward Ryan Anderson (33) reacts after a score against the Portland Trail Blazers during the second quarter of a game at the Smoothie King Center. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 23, 2015; New Orleans, LA, USA; New Orleans Pelicans forward Ryan Anderson (33) reacts after a score against the Portland Trail Blazers during the second quarter of a game at the Smoothie King Center. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports /

Ryan Anderson

Let’s not think about Whiteside for a moment. Behind Chris Bosh and whoever the Heat will continue to play at center, they could have one of the best sixth men around in Ryan Anderson if they pursue a trade before the deadline. He’s providing some serious offensive punch to a pathetic New Orleans Pelicans team this season with 16.8 points per game and 38.5 percent three-point shooting, and he’s one of the more sought after assets before February 18.

Thanks to his expiring contract and the way he’s been playing this season, Anderson surely isn’t going to be in New Orleans for much longer. Whether a team acquires him before February 18 or he waits and tests free agency for a higher salary with a team that’s actually respectable, he’s on his way out.

The Pelicans know this all too well, and the Heat should do their best to go after him if they put together the right pieces.

The question is, who do they offer? The Heat are limited, and again Deng could be the main piece due to his expiring contract. That being said, Miami could try something a little different. Josh McRoberts may be dealing with some health problems right now, but he’s a highly skilled big man with stellar passing ability, a solid jump shot and agile defense. Plus, he’s under contract for two more years (with a player option for 2017-18) to partly help the frontcourt void left by Anderson.

Perhaps pairing McRoberts with another piece to make it worthwhile for the Pelicans (and to balance the salary cap situation) could be another option.

When looking past the Pelicans’ worry of Anderson’s future in New Orleans, though, it’s hard to see the Heat outdoing the other teams that will pursue him. Plenty of organizations are going to be interested, many of which have more valuable trade pieces to temp the Pels to give Anderson up before the deadline.

So, while Anderson could make a huge difference to the Heat, it’s hard to see them establishing themselves as a top buyer in this scenario.

Next: A multi-player Hassan Whiteside idea

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