Some NBA teams haven’t had the start that they’d hoped for in 2023-24. It’s too early to panic: the season is barely underway. Still, teams are always evaluating their performance.
If some teams don’t turn it around soon, they could be a candidate to make a major trade. One of those teams is the Miami Heat. This team is fresh off of an NBA Finals appearance.
With that in mind, their slow start has been especially disappointing. The Heat look like they need to make a trade if they’re going to replicate last year’s success.
We don’t need to guess what type of player they’d like to add. The Heat were linked to Damian Lillard all summer. This team has an obvious need for a lead guard.
Could they settle on Terry Rozier of the Charlotte Hornets?
NBA Trade Proposal — Miami Heat Land Terry Rozier
Charlotte Hornets Receive: G/F Duncan Robinson, 2027 First-Round Pick (Top 4 Protected – MIA)
Miami Heat Receive: G Terry Rozier
It’s still hard to believe that the Heat didn’t land Lillard. Ir was widely reported that they were the only team that he wanted to join. In this era of star player empowerment, that usually means that a player will get what they want. What happened here?
Well, some have suggested that star player empowerment has finally reached its limits. For them, the Trail Blazers were – well, trailblazers – in regaining power for the teams.
The Blazers held out for the best deal. They wouldn’t acquiesce to Lillard. Did they set a new standard moving forward? Apparently not. James Harden just landed on the exact team that he wanted to land on. He’s a member of the Los Angeles Clippers.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Terry Rozier, Charlotte Hornets, Miami Heat Updates
At the same time, several non-basketball factors minimized Harden’s trade value. In the end, the NBA’s trade market is nothing if not complicated. Are the Hornets getting fair value for Rozier here?
Why The Charlotte Hornets Do The Deal
The Hornets may not want to rush into this deal. They’ve been competitive to start the year, and Rozier is playing well. They could hold out for an unprotected first – or, keep Rozier altogether.
At the same time, LaMelo Ball is best with the ball in his hands. Brandon Miller has flashed fantastic potential as a secondary creator as well. The Hornets could feel as if they’ve got an identity shaping up, and Rozier isn’t part of it. For what it’s worth, he’s significantly older than the rest of this core.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Terry Rozier, Charlotte Hornets, Miami Heat Updates
So, the Hornets are moving him here. They should be able to find a use for Robinson. Otherwise, if they’re shopping Rozier, they should look for as much draft capital as they can find.
Should the Heat even give this much up for Rozier?
Why The Miami Heat Do The Deal
Yes. In fact, they’d have to consider offering an unprotected first if the Hornets insisted. After all, we just watched the Heat get outbid. If they want to get back to contention this year, they need to spare no expenses in landing a lead guard.
It doesn’t have to be a Lillard-caliber player, either. Jimmy Butler still looks spry enough, and Bam Adebayo is rounding into his prime. The Heat have their cornerstones. They simply need a guard who can create his own shot and space the floor.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Terry Rozier, Charlotte Hornets, Miami Heat Updates
That’s Rozier. In fact, he’s been on fire from long range in 2023-24 so far. If he keeps that up, he’ll be a perfect fit for the Heat. He may even be able to help them overcome their slow start.
