How Miami Heat Are Impacted
For the Miami Heat to entertain even trading Duncan Robinson after signing him to a five-year deal would mean that something catastrophic has occurred. Likely, the team struggled again and the front office looked to reset things.
Trading Duncan Robinson would give Miami their best chance at resetting, as no one is going to trade for a maxed-out going on 32-year old Jimmy Butler. Bam Adebayo is the best young building block they had and would likely only be traded if a full tear-down was occurring.
In this deal, the Heat are sending Robinson to the Indiana Pacers in what essentially amounts to a salary dump. T.J. Warren is out indefinitely and on an expiring deal and Goga Bitadze is still on his rookie contract.
Warren was excellent for the Pacers in the Orlando Bubble, but a foot injury ruined his 2020-21 season. If he could regain his form, he would be a nice addition on the wing to help the Heat offense. If not, no harm no foul, as he will enter free agency next offseason.
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Bitadze offers an intriguing blend of skill, as he has showcased an ability to be a good rim protector. He is improving on his 3-point shooting and could be a nice two-way player down the road.
For a team like Miami that has struggled to find production behind Adebayo consistently, Bitadze could be a nice long-term piece in the frontcourt. The two could even play alongside each other in some situations.
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While it is hard to envision Robinson being traded in the first season of his new deal, especially since there are some restrictions as a recently signed player, he would help clear the books for Miami should they need to blow things up and start over.
