Why this trade makes sense for the Miami Heat
The Miami Heat’s overall lack of depth in the frontcourt has hurt them tremendously this year as not having Jae Crowder as a consistent option has left a void in the second-unit for this team. As a result, filling this void with a consistent, veteran player like LaMarcus Aldridge makes a lot of sense.
With him being in the final year of his contract, he could aid them in their championship pursuit this season and then the Heat would not be tied down to him long-term ,meaning that they could go out and pursue another max-contract player to pair with Butler and Adebayo in free agency next offseason.
Victor Oladipo has been a player the Heat have been tied to in NBA trade rumors recently and with both sides showing interest in one another for free agency next year, this move would definitely set Miami up with the financial flexibility to potentially sign Oladipo in the offseason.
Besides getting cap space moving forward, LaMarcus Aldridge also gives the Heat a real chance to contend in the Eastern Conference. In 21 games with San Antonio this year, Aldridge averaged 13.7 points, 4.5 rebounds and shot 36% from three-point range.
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While he is not the All-Star player he was earlier in his career, LaMarcus Aldridge can still knock down shots on the offensive end of the court from virtually anywhere and is a player that teams still have to respect. Not only does this open up the court more for guys like Dragic and Butler to drive to the rim, but it allows the Miami Heat’s three-point shooting threats to have more space to run off of screens for open shots.
Overall, the addition of LaMarcus Aldridge makes the Miami Heat a better offensive team and for a small price of Kelly Olynyk, Andre Iguodala and a future first-round pick, they can get a player who will have a major impact on their playoff efforts this year.
This trade is definitely worthwhile for the Miami Heat and gives them the necessary depth in the frontcourt they need to not only contend for a playoff spot this season, but potentially get hot again come playoff time and make a run to the NBA Finals.
