The NBA Finals are the pinnacle of competitive basketball. Once you reach them, you’ve accomplished something. With that said, if you reach them after landing in the play-in tournament, it’s a special accomplishment.
That’s exactly what the Miami Heat did last season. Generally speaking, we don’t expect much from a play-in team. These are not title contenders. Miami was an exception. They advanced all the way to the penultimate round before losing to the Denver Nuggets.
The Heat do not look like they’re on track to get back there. If Miami wants to repeat last year’s performance, they’ll likely have to make a major trade.
Could they acquire OG Anunoby from the Toronto Raptors?
NBA Trade Proposal: Miami Heat Land Toronto Raptors’ OG Anunoby
Toronto Raptors Receive: G/F Duncan Robinson, F Nikola Jovic, 2027 First-Round Pick (MIA), 2029 First-Round Pick (MIA)
Miami Heat Receive: F OG Anunoby
With that said, there’s nothing new about the Heat competing. This organization always puts itself in a position to do exactly that. The Heat don’t tank – if this team isn’t in title contention, they’re still trying to place as high in the standings as they can.
Topically, the Raptors operate in the same fashion. This organization has never tanked either. They’ve got the 2018-29 NBA championship to show for their troubles. Should they abandon the philosophy now?
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: OG Anunoby, Toronto Raptors, Miami Heat Updates
We think so. There is one meaningful difference between these clubs. The Heat can easily attract star talent. That’s something that the Canadian Raptors have struggled with.
Should they send one of their best players to South Beach?
Why The Toronto Raptors Do The Deal
The Raptors don’t have to move Anunoby. He’s young enough to be part of a rebuild, and a good fit alongside Scottie Barnes. Frankly, moving the older, more redundant Pascal Siakam is likely a higher priority.
Yet, the Raptors could move Anunoby as well. If this team intends on truly rebuilding, they could prioritize assets over good players. Anunoby’s pending contract extension is another factor here. Should the Raptors give it to him if they’re not contending?
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: OG Anunoby, Toronto Raptors, Miami Heat Updates
Here, we’ve got them avoiding that dilemma. They’re also picking up two unprotected firsts and an intriguing young player in Jovic. Should the Heat pay that price for Anunoby?
Why The Miami Heat Do The Deal
When you’re coming off an NBA Finals trip, you stay in win-now mode. That’s as hard of a rule as you’ll find in the NBA. With that in mind, the Heat aren’t winning nearly enough games.
It’s time to upgrade the roster. In last year’s Finals, the Heat lacked forward depth. Kevin Love was too slow for Aaron Gordon, and Caleb Martin was too small. With an undersized big like Adebayo, the Heat could use some size in their forward rotation.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: OG Anunoby, Toronto Raptors, Miami Heat Updates
That’s what they’re adding in Anunoby. They’re also adding one of the best 3-and-D wings in the NBA. After making this move, the Heat would be a much stronger team. They may even be able to fight their way back into the Finals.
