The NBA Finals. For teams around the league, it’s the ultimate show. They play an entire season to determine which team will represent each Conference. By the time we finally get there, everyone is exhausted. The Finals can become a battle of attrition.
With that said, sometimes, one team dominates the proceedings. That was the case in 2022-23. The Miami Heat put an admirable effort into fighting the Denver Nuggets, but they never really appeared to have a chance.
With that said, they still deserve tremendous credit for even getting to the Finals in the first place. After all, this team only made its way to the Finals through the play-in tournament.
They were not supposed to be there. Ultimately, they got further than the Los Angeles Lakers – they couldn’t surpass the Nuggets in the Conference Finals.
Meanwhile, both teams hope to be in the Finals again this season. Could a trade that sends Rui Hachimura to the Heat benefit both sides?
NBA Trade Proposal — Miami Heat Land Rui Hachimura
Los Angeles Lakers Receive: G/F Duncan Robinson, 2027 First-Round Pick (Top 4 Protected – MIA)
Miami Heat Receive: F Rui Hachimura
With that said, two teams make the Finals. There are 30 teams in the NBA. The remaining 28 squads can’t measure themselves by their failure to make the Finals. Teams need to find their own standard for success.
For some rebuilding teams, a play-in berth would be a success. Even some success in the league’s new midseason tournament could qualify as a success for some teams. In the end, it comes down to heading in the right direction. There are measures of success outside of a Finals appearance.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Rui Hachimura, Los Angeles Lakers, Miami Heat Updates
For some teams, that is. For others, it’s Finals or bust. That’s the case for both the Heat and the Lakers. These teams won’t settle for any less than an NBA championship.
Does this deal get the Lakers closer to that goal?
Why The Los Angeles Lakers Do The Deal
It may. That’s not directly the point here. For the Lakers, the main motivation to make this deal is a protected first. This team is light on assets. After adding this pick, they could make that gets them closer to the title ahead of next season.
Yet, this deal could even help them on a win-now basis. The Lakers already have Taurean Prince. Cam Reddish could find his form this year. Christian Wood will see some time at the 4.
The Lakers have a lot of frontcourt depth. On the other hand, they’re light on shooting. Robinson is one of the best movement shooters in the NBA.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Rui Hachimura, Los Angeles Lakers, Miami Heat Updates
So, this deal gives the Lakers a more balanced roster and an asset. If Hachimura is breaking out throughout the year, they won’t want to lose him. If he isn’t, should the Heat even want him?
Why The Miami Heat Do The Deal
That’s the difficulty in writing hypothetical trades involving young players. Hachinmura is an unproven entity. He looked fantastic in the Western Conference Finals last season, but throughout his NBA career so far, he hasn’t been that player. What will he look like in 2023-24?
Let’s assume he spits the difference. A version of Hachimura that lands between his Western Conference Finals self and the rest of his career would be useful for Miami.
They could have used him in last year’s Finals. Caleb Martin was too small to handle Aaron Gordon, and Kevin Love was too slow. Hachimura would have been a good counter.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Rui Hachimura, Los Angeles Lakers, Miami Heat Updates
If he becomes available throughout the year, the Heat should take a look at him. If they’re lucky, adding him to the roster could get them back in the NBA Finals.
