Arguably the biggest surprise in the early going of the 2023-24 NBA regular season has been the performance of the Miami Heat. They are currently in last place in the Eastern Conference with a record of 1-4, with their only victory being a one-point win over the Detroit Pistons on opening night.
In their last game, they led by as many as 16 points over the Brooklyn Nets but ended up losing the game 109-105. It is still very early on in the season, so the Heat have time to turn things around. But, it is fair to wonder if a change is needed on South Beach.
Miami lost some significant talent this offseason when Gabe Vincent and Max Strus departed in free agency. Two starters from a team that advanced to the NBA Finals last season is difficult to replace.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Kyle Lowry, Malcolm Brogdon, Portland Trail Blazers, Miami Heat Updates
On top of that, the Heat are getting virtually zero production from outside Tyler Herro, Bam Adebayo and Jimmy Butler. Butler is struggling at the onset as well, but nowhere near as much as starting point guard Kyle Lowry.
The Heat signed Lowry to a three-year, $85 million deal during the 2021 offseason, believing he would be the missing piece to put the team over the top in a quest for the Larry O’Brien Trophy. Unfortunately, he has fallen woefully short of expectations.
Injuries have played a major part in his lack of production previously, but this season, he just isn’t playing well. He has started all five games and is averaging only 6.0 points, 4.2 rebounds and 4.2 assists in 30.8 minutes per game.
Greg Swartz of Bleacher Report believes it is time for a change in Miami. He has suggested the Heat make a deal for guard Malcolm Brogdon of the Portland Trail Blazers, trading Lowry and a 2029 unprotected first-round pick to get the deal done.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Kyle Lowry, Malcolm Brogdon, Portland Trail Blazers, Miami Heat Updates
On an expiring contract, Lowry is a great fit for Portland as they can clear even more salary off their books in the summer. He can be a mentor to the younger players on the roster and landing a future first-round pick doesn’t hurt.
Miami knows that Lowry shouldn’t be a starter in the NBA anymore, otherwise, he wouldn’t have been benched for Vincent last season. With no other options currently on the roster, he is forced into that role and the results have been poor.
Brogdon would fill that void and be a major upgrade. Thus far this season he is averaging 18.2 points, 4.6 rebounds and 4.4 assists in 26.8 minutes per game off the bench for Portland. He would likely welcome a trade from the rebuilding Blazers to the Heat, who are planning to be contenders once again.
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