Why This Trade Makes Sense For The Miami Heat

One of the key things that made the Miami Heat such a great team last year was their ability to have numerous three-point shooters on the court at once and with Gordon, they could be even more dangerous this year. Last season, Duncan Robinson and Tyler Herro combined for 386 made three-pointers and Eric Gordon made 789 three-pointers with Houston over the years, trailing just James Harden for the most three-pointers on the team since 2016. 

While he is a great perimeter threat, Eric Gordon is a lot more than just a three-point shooter. His ability to play perimeter-defense is definitely above-average and he has a very high basketball IQ. He always seems to be in the right place on both ends of the court and is a great veteran presence, especially for guys like Tyler Herro and Duncan Robinson. 

Over the course of his career, he has averaged 16.6 points and has shot 42.5% from the floor and 36.9% from three-point range. After dealing with some injuries last season that kept him sidelined for most of the year, Gordon has looked great to begin this season with the Houston Rockets and could be the role player the Heat need to add on the wing to make it back to the NBA Finals. 

While Iguodala and Nunn each have set roles on this Miami Heat team, Eric Gordon is an all-around great player and could be a perfect fit for Miami in their second-unit. Goran Dragic has been coming off the bench a lot this season for the Heat and is their leader off the bench, but they do not have another reliable bench player next to him.

Avery Bradley is inconsistent, as is sharpshooting big man Kelly Olynyk. Having another reliable, veteran presence in Gordon gives Miami yet another offensive weapon and a guy who is more than capable of leading the charge off the bench. 

Trading away a future first-round pick could be costly in the future for Miami, especially since they only have four first-round picks through 2027 if they made this trade, but in the end, winning championships now is the agenda for Pat Riley and the Heat front office. Acquiring Eric Gordon gives the Heat the best chance to win a title now, which is why they could be intrigued by this opportunity.