NBA Trade Rumors: 7 fringe contenders that need to make a deal

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MIAMI, FLORIDA – JANUARY 04: Bam Adebayo #13 and Jimmy Butler #22 of the Miami Heat celebrate against the Oklahoma City Thunder during the third quarter at American Airlines Arena on January 04, 2021 in Miami, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images) /

Miami Heat

Injuries and COVID-19 have wreaked havoc on the Miami Heat, who are currently tied with the Atlanta Hawks for the No. 9 seed in the East at 11-15.

Prolonged absences from Jimmy Butler, Tyler Herro, Goran Dragic and Avery Bradley can help explain away some of the Heat’s struggles. But Saturday’s blowout loss to the Utah Jazz highlighted just how far away they are from the team that advanced to the NBA Finals last season.

Jimmy Butler and Bam Adebayo are both All-Star-caliber players when healthy, which should give the Heat a puncher’s chance in any playoff series. Tyler Herro (34.0 percent from 3-point range) and Duncan Robinson (39.9 percent) can get hot at a moment’s notice as well, although both have been less potent from deep than they were last season.

The bigger concern for Miami is the frontcourt, particularly with Meyers Leonard now sidelined for the year after undergoing shoulder surgery. The Heat are thin behind Adebayo and Kelly Olynyk, and they’re sorely missing someone who can provide what Jae Crowder brought to the table during the playoffs last year.

The Heat have a number of potentially expiring contracts (Leonard, Dragic, Bradley and Andre Iguodala), and they could even get into the bidding for a star if they’re willing to part with Herro, Robinson or Precious Achiuwa. If the injury-ravaged Orlando Magic decide to tear down their roster, Aaron Gordon could be a particularly nice fit in Miami.

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