The Miami Heat were the first team eliminated in the 2021 NBA playoffs while the Indiana Pacers failed to make it altogether. Both teams will surely be plotting their next move and it appears as though each team may need to make a change via trade.
Over the last few years, the theme for the Heat’s roster moves and contracts structure has been clearly to preserve salary cap spending room for 2021 NBA free agency. With almost all of the intriguing superstars already off the board, they will need to get creative with alternative options to make a meaningful difference to improve their success in 2021-22.
READ MORE: NBA Rumors: This Lakers-Pacers trade would send Myles Turner to L.A.
There is a need for more perimeter firepower for the Heat, especially after Tyler Herro did not build on his NBA Bubble run into having a breakout season. Now, Miami will need to potentially hand out big contracts to Duncan Robinson and Kendrick Nunn while key role players like Goran Dragic and Andre Iguodala are noticeably winding down in their careers.
The Pacers reportedly have a plan on the table to undergo a rebuild but President of Basketball Operations Kevin Pritchard would need clearance from the team’s Governor (formerly referred to as “Owner”), Herb Simon, in order to initiate such a process.
If Simon were to give his approval to do so, Indiana has a variety of key veterans who could be valuable elsewhere and net some helpful pieces in return.
Let’s take a look at an NBA trade scenario by Bleacher Report’s Greg Swartz that features Malcolm Brogdon being sent from the Indiana Pacers to the Miami Heat.
