If you follow the NBA, you know that the Miami Heat wanted Damian Lillard. This was the story of the summer. In the end, the Heat weren’t able to land him. The team was low on assets, so the Portland Trail Blazers sent Lillard to the Milwaukee Bucks.
The Heat’s predicament was understandable. This team had just made their way to the NBA Finals. At the same time, they weren’t expected to get there.
Repeating that performance was never going to be easy. The Heat could have used a star guard to help them get back to the big dance.
They just didn’t have the right package to land one. This team is not flush with assets. Could the Heat opt to take a risk on a guard who used to look like a future star instead?
How about Collin Sexton of the Utah Jazz?
NBA Trade Proposal: Miami Heat Land Utah Jazz’s Collin Sexton
Utah Jazz Receive: G/F Duncan Robinson, 2026 Second-Round Pick (LAL via MIA)
Miami Heat Receive: G Collin Sexton
The results of the Lillard saga have broader implications. His ultimate landing spot is fascinating. It seemed as if Lillard wanted to play in Miami. Why wouldn’t he? It’s one of the most glamorous markets in the NBA. Milwaukee…is not.
For some fans, this is a relief. Small market clubs are often at a disadvantage. Meanwhile, the star player empowerment era has benefited larger markets.
If players are going to handpick their own destination, aren’t they typically going to pick the biggest markets? Jazz fans must be enjoying these developments.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Collin Sexton, Utah Jazz, Miami Heat Updates
Salt Lake City is one of the smallest markets in the NBA. Players aren’t typically going to choose to go there. Perhaps the Jazz know this – general manager Danny Ainge has accumulated a great deal of draft capital.
Should they flip Sexton for one more?
Why The Utah Jazz Do The Deal
At one time, Sexton looked like a future star. He was scoring in volume, and doing it relatively efficiently. Sexton wasn’t even a negative defender.
With that said, it doesn’t look like the Jazz think he’s going to get back to that level. After all, he’s practically fallen out of their rotation. If the Jazz aren’t going to play Sexton, they might as well move him. They shouldn’t expect a lot in return.
Generally speaking, teams don’t give up the farm for a guy who’s fallen out of your rotation. So, they’ll settle for Robinson and a second-round pick.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Collin Sexton, Utah Jazz, Miami Heat Updates
Robinson doesn’t have Sexton’s upside, but he’s at least a reliable floor spacer who might find a place in Utah’s rotation.
Should the Heat part with him?
Why The Miami Heat Do The Deal
This is a risk for Miami. This team is already a bit light on floor spacing, and they’re giving up a knockdown shooter here. For Miami, this is about satisfying a higher-level priority at the expense of a lower-level one.
After all, they need a guard who can create in the halfcourt. Moreover, it’s possible that Utah isn’t a good fit for Sexton. This team is generally light on playmaking.
They’re relying on Sexton to set up teammates: that’s not his forte. Sexton is a scorer. Miami could use a scorer. After all, they get ample playmaking from Bam Adebayo and Jimmy Butler.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Collin Sexton, Utah Jazz, Miami Heat Updates
If they can help Sexton rediscover himself, he should make them a better team. He may not be Damian Lillard, but at the same time, he won’t come at the same cost either.
